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Rotavirus Vaccine Imprimir
Basic Pediatric Series Recommendation for Immunization
2 or 3 doses: 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months (optional depending on formulation used)

Note:
For catch-up dosing, please see CDC recommendations.

1. What is this vaccine?

This is a live vaccine against rotavirus infection in infants and children. RotaTeq® protects against infection caused by 4 different serotypes G1, G2, G3, and G4. Rotarix® protects against infection caused by 4 different serotypes G1, G3, G4, and G9.


2. Why do I need this vaccine?

This vaccine is needed to prevent rotavirus, the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children. Other symptoms include vomiting and fever. Often rotavirus infections occur from November to May. In some children, this virus can lead to hospitalization and even death.


3. How is the vaccine given?

The vaccine is a liquid that comes in a single dose latex-free tube with a twist-off cap and the liquid is squeezed direcly into the mouth towards the inner cheek.


4. What are the risks and special considerations of this vaccine?

It is recommended that children not get this vaccine if they have ever had a case of intussusception, a rare form of intestinal blockage. This complication was occasionally seen with an older formulation of the vaccine. Children who have HIV/AIDS, cancer, immune system problems, or recent transfusion of any blood product may not be able to get this vaccine: check with the doctor. This vaccine is very safe, but side effects can occur. There can be mild, temporary diarrhea, or vomiting up to 7 days after the dose.

Individuals with prior severe reactions to this vaccine may not be able to receive another dose. Check with your doctor regarding this issue and for any other contraindications for this vaccine. Also check with your doctor to find out what other ingredients may be in the vaccine, its container, or any diluent in case of allergies or other concerns. Immunization is usually postponed for individuals with a moderate or severe acute illness.

There are two different formulations of this vaccine. For RotaTeq®, the recommended regimen is a series of 3 vaccines preferably at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The series can be started at 6 weeks but it is not recommended to begin a series after the age of 14 weeks 6 days. The final dose must be by age 8 months. With Rotarix®, the third dose is not needed.


5. Risk factors for contraction of disease:
  • Infants and children, especially < 3 years of age
  • Elderly
  • Immunocompromised


Available brands of this vaccine include:
  • RotaTeq®
  • Rotarix®

Citations
  1. "Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule --- United States, 2011." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-schedule.pdf.
  2. "Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years--United States 2011." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/0-6yrs-schedule-pr.pdf.
  3. "Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 7 Through 18 years--United States 2011." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/7-18yrs-schedule-pr.pdf.
  4. "Catch Up Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 4 months Through 18 years Who Start Late or Who Are More Than One Month Behind." Centers for Disease Control and prevention. 2011 http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/catchup-schedule-pr.pdf.
  5. "Rotavirus." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Infectious Diseases. Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch. October 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/index.html.
  6. "RotaTeq® (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live, Oral, Pentavalent)." Merck and Co., Inc. April 2011. http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/r/rotateq/rotateq_pi.pdf.
  7. "Rotavirus Vaccine What You Need To Know." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Immunization Program. Vaccine Information Statement (Interim). May 2010. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-rotavirus.pdf.
  8. "Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated with these Vaccines?" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. June 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/should-not-vacc.htm.
  9. "Rotarix®." GSK. February 2011. http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_rotarix.pdf.
  10. "Rotavirus vaccines (Rotarix and RotaTeq) for prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis." National Prescribing Service Limited. July 2007. http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/issues/current/july_2007/rotavirus_vaccines.
  11. "Vaccine Excipient and Media Summary." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-1.pdf.
  12. "Vaccine Excipient and Media Summary, Part 2." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf.
  13. "Thimerosol in Vaccines." U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. March 2010. http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm.

Created: 7/2/2007
Last Modified: 4/19/2011
 
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