• A well-recognized and unique feature of rotavirus is the annual peak of infection and illness in the winter in temperate climates^3,6
• In North America, the annual epidemic starts in late fall and tends to end in the spring^3,6
• Peak seasonality of rotavirus infection generally occurs at the same time as other infections common to children, such as respiratory syncytial virus and influenza.^18,19
• This co-occurrence can put increased stress on physicians' offices and pediatric emergency departments during those times.¹⁰

Rotavirus Can Place a Significant Burden on Families

Rotavirus in young children and infants is often difficult for parents to manage because of the frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration their child may experience. It is not uncommon for patients to have more than 20 episodes of diarrhea or vomiting in a day.⁶

• A single case of rotavirus can cause considerable disruption for the family that includes missed work, additional child-care costs, and trips to the physician.²⁹

Canadian Economic Costs^10,*

In Canada, in children younger than 5 years of age, rotavirus has been estimated to be responsible for up to 56,000 physician visits [95% Credibility Interval: 27,000-56,000], up to 27,000 Emergency Room visits [95% Confidence Interval: 9,000-27,000] (of which up to 7,000 children [Confidence Interval 4,200-7,000] are admitted to the hospital).

In Canada, average annual medical cost for rotavirus gastroenteritis was estimated to be:

• Costs to the healthcare system = $17 million per year
• Total economic burden (work lost, healthcare system and out of pocket expenses) = $46 million per year

Costs for the parent can add up due to lost wages, office visits, laboratory tests, medications, changed diet, rehydration solutions, travel, extra diapers, and additional child-care.³⁰

* The epidemiological and economic burden of rotavirus in Canada was estimated using a mathematical model that consolidated information from various sources. Estimated outcomes included rotavirus gastroenteritis related physician consultations, ER visits, hospitalizations, as well as parent/caregiver work loss and out-of-pocket expenses.