rotavirus vaccine, live (oral) Health Article

Generic name(s):

rotavirus vaccine, live (oral)

Brand name(s):

rotavirus vaccine, RotaTeq

What is the most important information I should know about rotavirus vaccine?

The rotavirus vaccine is given in a series of 3 doses. The first dose is usually given when the child is 6 to 12 weeks old. The booster doses are then given at 4-week to 10-week intervals before the child reaches 32 weeks of age. Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When your child receives another vaccine in the future, you will need to tell the doctor if the first dose caused any side effects.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

Before your child receives this vaccine, tell the doctor if your child has recently had a fever. Also tell the doctor if anyone living with or caring for the child has cancer or a weak immune system, or is receiving treatments that can weaken the immune system (such as radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids).

Always wash your hands after handling the diapers of a child who has been given the rotavirus vaccine. Small amounts of the virus may be passed in the child's stool and could possibly infect others who come into contact with the child's stool.

Be sure your child receives all recommended doses of this vaccine. Your child may not be protected from rotavirus if the doses aren't given within 4 to 10 weeks of each other, or if the child does not receive the full series of vaccines.

Call your doctor as soon as possible if your child (after receiving a rotavirus vaccine) has stomach pain or bloating, vomiting (especially if it is golden-brown to green in color), bloody stools, grunting or excessive crying, and eventually weakness and shallow breathing.

Becoming infected with rotavirus is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

What is rotavirus vaccine?

Rotavirus vaccine contains five strains of rotavirus. It is made from both human and animal sources.

Infection with rotavirus can affect the digestive system of babies and young children, causing severe stomach or intestinal illness.

The rotavirus vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in children.

This vaccine works by exposing your child to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Rotavirus vaccine is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 32 weeks old.

Like any vaccine, the rotavirus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.