Abstract
Introduction: Intussusception is a rare potential adverse effect of oral rotavirus vaccination, estimated to occur in approximately 1: 100,000 vaccine recipients.
Case presentation: Six-months old boy presented with vomiting for 3 days, colicky abdominal pain, and did not pass stool for one day prior to the admission. Passage of a reddish soft jelly like motion was reported by his mother. No seizure, no cough, no jaundice, no skin/joint/bone complications. History of similar condition 2 months ago at age of 4 months (one week following his scheduled vaccination which contains Rota vaccine). Physical examination; lethargic, afebrile with stable vital signs, abdomen was soft, lax with no distension or palpable mass. Per rectal (PR) examination was blood stained. He was diagnosed with intussusception. Hydrostatic reduction was failed. Laparotomy resection of 6 CM of terminal ileum 15CM away from ileocaecal valve with appendectomy. Patient underwent uneventful postoperative course and discharged in good condition.
Conclusion: Although the reported vaccine-induced intussusception occurs every now and then, the overall risk benefit balance of vaccines remains positive So World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) have recommended the continued use of rotavirus vaccine for infants as it reduces annual hospital admissions in children under 5 years due to rotavirus gastroenteritis.