Melbourne, Australia — A rotavirus vaccine given to newborns may help build healthier gut bacteria and provide stronger early protection against infection, according to a new study by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI).
The research, published in Nature Communications, found that babies in Indonesia and Malawi who received the RV3-BB rotavirus vaccine at birth had a better immune response and healthier gut microbiomes than those who received their first dose later, at six to eight weeks of age — the typical timing under current immunization programs.
Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children under five and is responsible for more than 230,000 deaths each year, mostly in low-income countries.
Professor Julie Bines, who led the study and helped develop the RV3-BB vaccine, said early vaccination could be key to improving protection against the virus. “Giving the vaccine at birth, when the gut microbiome is still developing, may help the body respond better to the vaccine,” she explained.
The study involved nearly 300 infants in Indonesia and Malawi. All received three doses of the RV3-BB vaccine, but half began the schedule within five days of birth, while the other half started at six to eight weeks. Researchers collected stool samples and used advanced sequencing to study the gut bacteria in each group.
Dr. Josef Wagner from MCRI said babies who received the vaccine at birth had more diverse and beneficial bacteria in their gut — a sign of a stronger immune system. “The newborn gut is still forming and responds to factors like feeding and environment,” he said. “Our findings suggest early vaccination can positively influence this development.”
The study also found that babies with more “good” bacteria in their gut had a stronger response to the vaccine, while those with more disease-causing bacteria showed a weaker response. Babies vaccinated at birth maintained a healthier gut microbiome for a longer period, the researchers said.
These findings are especially important for low-income countries, where children are more vulnerable to early infections and where completing the full vaccine schedule — usually starting at six weeks — can be challenging due to costs and access.
To improve access, MCRI has made the RV3-BB vaccine available for license, allowing manufacturers to produce it at scale and lower costs.
“This research shows that timing matters,” said Professor Bines. “By giving the vaccine at birth, we have a better chance of protecting children early and improving their overall health.”
The investigation into how early vaccination shapes the gut microbiome and strengthens immunity is ongoing, with hopes it will guide future national immunization strategies.
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