WellPoint will cover GSK rotavirus vaccine

INDIANAPOLIS WellPoint has announced that effective immediately, it will cover the rotavirus vaccine, Rotarix, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, designed to prevent a virus, which causes vomiting, and diarrhea in infants and children. The decision to cover Rotarix was based on formal recommendations announced last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

ACIP recommended that Rotarix be added to the list of recommended inoculations offered to infants. The drug is a liquid given in a two-dose series to infants 6-24 weeks old. According to the CDC, rotavirus infection is the leading cause of diarrhea in infants and young children, both in the U.S. and worldwide.

The vaccine will be covered for infants whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines.