What is rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children. The diarrhea can be severe, and lead to dehydration (loss of body fluid). Rotavirus spreads easily. The virus is found in the stool of people who are infected with the virus. It is spread by hands, diapers, or objects like toys, changing tables, or doorknobs that have a small amount of the stool on them. The disease commonly spreads in families, hospitals, and childcare centers.
What are the symptoms?
It takes about 1 to 3 days for a child who has been exposed to the virus to start having symptoms. Symptoms often start with low-grade fever and vomiting followed by diarrhea. The gastrointestinal symptoms generally resolve in 3 to 7 days.
Diarrhea, especially when occurs along with vomiting, can quickly lead to dehydration. If signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, increased thirst, or less urine output occur, contact your doctor immediately.
Who should get rotavirus vaccine?
The
rotavirus vaccine is a routine childhood vaccination for babies aged two months.
How and when is the rotavirus vaccine given?
- Rotavirus vaccine is given by mouth, not by a shot.
- There are two brands of rotavirus vaccine which are Rotarix® and RotaTeq®. Both vaccines are comparably effective.
- Complete the vaccination course with the same product whenever possible
|
Brand name
|
Dose 1
|
Dose 2
|
Dose 3
|
|
Rotarix® (Orally 2 doses)
|
2 months of age
|
4 months of age
|
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|
|
Rotateq® (Orally 3 doses)
|
2 months of age
|
4 months of age
|
6 months of age
|
***Your child must get the first dose of rotavirus vaccine before 15 weeks of age, and the last by age 8 months
Who should not receive the rotavirus vaccine or should wait?
- A baby who has had a severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a dose of rotavirus vaccine or to any component of rotavirus vaccine should not get another dose.
- Babies with “severe combined immunodeficiency” (SCID) or a type of bowel blockage called “intussusception” should not get rotavirus vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if your baby has any severe allergies including a severe allergy to latex.
- Check with your doctor if your baby’s immune system is weakened because of: HIV/AIDS, or any other disease that affects the immune system, treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids, or cancer.
- Babies with mild illnesses can usually get the vaccine. Babies who are moderately or severely ill should probably wait until they have recovered. This includes babies who have moderate or severe diarrhea or vomiting.
What are the undesirable effects of rotavirus vaccine?
| Mild adverse effects |
Fussiness, fever, and temporary diarrhea after getting a dose of rotavirus vaccine. |
| Serious adverse effects |
Very rare. But if it happens, contact your doctor immediately. During the first week after the first dose of vaccine, look for episodes of stomach pain with severe crying (which may be brief), several episodes of vomiting, or blood in the stool. Also, look for any unusual condition, such as high fever or severe allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, weakness, hoarseness or wheezing, a fast heartbeat, hives, dizziness, paleness, or swelling of the throat. If this happens, seek medical help immediately. |
Drug Interaction between Rotavirus vaccine and other medications
Rotavirus vaccine may be given at the same time as other childhood.
Some medicines may interact with rotavirus vaccine. Tell your health care provider if your baby is taking any other medicines, especially immunosuppressive therapy.
***For more information about rotavirus vaccine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health professional***
References:
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Last modify: March 31, 2025