Rotavirus Vaccine

Indications

Allergy

Rotavirus Vaccine is used to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by G1 and non-G1 types (G3, G4 and G9). ROTASIIL is indicated for the prevention of the same illness, caused by the same types. ROTARIX is approved for use in infants 6 weeks to 24 weeks of age. Your child should not get Rotavirus Vaccine if he or she had an allergic reaction after getting a dose of this vaccine. The same applies if he or she is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine (a list of ingredients can be found at the end of the leaflet). It also applies if he or she has Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID), or has ever had intussusception, a form of blockage of the intestines.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Rotavirus Vaccine is an oral vaccine that helps prevent rotavirus infection in children. The infection can cause fever, vomiting and diarrhea. These can be severe and may lead to loss of body fluids (dehydration), hospitalization and even death in some children. The vaccine may not fully protect every child who receives it, and if a child already has the virus, it will not help them.

Rotavirus is one of the important causes of severe acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Two commercially available forms of rotavirus vaccine exist. One is a live, attenuated monovalent vaccine derived from a human strain, and it is indicated for prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by G1, G3, G4 and G9 serotypes. The other is a live, pentavalent human-bovine reassortant vaccine, indicated for prevention of gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus serotypes G1, G2, G3 and G4.

Porcine circovirus (PCV1 and PCV2) DNA has been detected in the rotavirus vaccine. Even so, the information available at present shows no evidence that PCV1 or PCV2 poses a safety risk to humans.

The exact immunologic mechanism of action isn't fully understood. It is known, though, that the vaccine viruses replicate in the small intestine and promote active immunity.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Rotavirus Vaccine is listed as Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. Even so, the potential benefits may warrant use of the vaccine in pregnant women despite the potential risks.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: Rotavirus vaccine is given by mouth, and your child will receive 3 doses. Your child gets the first dose at 6 to 12 weeks of age. The second follows 4 to 10 weeks later, and the third comes 4 to 10 weeks after the second. All 3 doses should be given by 32 weeks of age. Your doctor will gently squeeze the vaccine into your child's mouth (see Figure 1). An infant may spit out some or all of it. If that happens, the dose does not need to be given again during that visit. Your doctor will tell you when to bring your child back for the follow-up doses. It is important to keep those appointments. If you forget or can't go back at the planned time, ask your doctor for advice.

Side Effects & Interactions

Side Effects

No side-effect data recorded yet.

Key Interactions

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