Doctors and parents should note the US Food & Drug Administration's public health notification on reports of blocked or twisted intestine involving infants after receiving Merck & Co's Rotavirus, Live, Oral, Pentavalent vaccination, the Department of Health says.

The FDA appeal was made after 28 cases of intussusception involving infants who had received the vaccine (trade name RotaTeq) were detected. Sixteen required hospitalisation and surgery.

RotaTeq is used for preventing rotavirus gastroenteritis. It is a prescription drug registered in Hong Kong and the department has not received any reports of adverse effects related to the vaccine in the city.

Doctors should report suspected cases to the department through its hotline 2319 8482 during office hours.

Parents should contact their doctors immediately if their children have stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in their stool or a change in their bowel habits after receiving rotavirus vaccination.