PARENTS are now being offered the chance to have their newborn babies protected from a nasty sickness bug that affects thousands of youngsters every year.

Health chiefs in Worcestershire have heralded the arrival of a new vaccine against the vomiting and diarrhoea bug rotavirus.

The rotavirus infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children under the age of five. Almost every child will develop rotavirus gastroenteritis at some point before their fifth birthday and the condition is responsible for 130,000 GP visits and 13,000 hospitalisations for dehydration every year.

But as of this week a new vaccine is being offered to babies to help protect them against the virus. Dr Ash Banjeree, public health consultant at Worcestershire County Council, said the vaccine was now being offered routinely to newborn babies in the county born on or after May 1 this year. He is urging parents to take up the vaccine and help protect their children against the illness.

“We welcome the news that this immunisation will be given at two and three months of age, at the same time as other vaccines that are already offered, in a liquid dropper form for babies to swallow,” he said.

Pubic Health England hopes the vaccine will halve the number of rotavirus cases each year and lead to 70 per cent fewer hospital stays.

Medical director Paul Cosford said: “Rotavirus is a highly infectious and unpleasant illness that affects thousands of young children each year.

“While most recover within a few days, nearly one-in-five will need to see their doctor, and one-in-10 will end up in hospital as a result.

“Although good hygiene measures can help prevent the spread of the disease, the best way to protect your baby from catching rotavirus is to get them vaccinated.”

Public Health England is set to introduce further new vaccines against shingles, meningococcal C and flu later this year.