Rotaviruses are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children 
worldwide. Both licensed rotavirus vaccines (Rotarix™ [RV1] and RotaTeq™ [RV5]) 
are effective and safe. Studies from countries that have included RV1 or RV5 in 
the national immunization programs have demonstrated their safety and sustained 
efficacy under real-life circumstances. A significant decline in acute 
gastroenteritis-related deaths among Latin American children was observed after 
the introduction of RV1 and RV5 vaccines. Both vaccines were able to decrease 
the number of cases of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis and of severe rotavirus 
diseases. Vaccination was also associated with a dramatic reduction in 
hospitalizations and outpatient visits for all-cause acute gastroenteritis. 
Indirect protection after infant mass vaccination has been strongly suggested. 
Moreover, postlicensure safety studies assessed rare adverse events (rates <1 in 
50,000), such as intussusception.