Rotavirus vaccine, live

A rotavirus infection happens when someone comes into contact with water or food that is contaminated with feces infected with the virus. It often spreads in families, hospitals, and childcare centers. Rotavirus usually causes severe, watery diarrhea, especially in babies and young children.

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

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

The RotaTeq brand is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 32 weeks old.

The Rotarix brand is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 24 weeks old.

Like any vaccine, the rotavirus oral vaccine may not protect everyone from the disease.

Your child will get this vaccine at a clinic, hospital, or doctor's office. The rotavirus oral vaccine is given as a liquid by mouth.

The RotaTeq brand of rotavirus oral vaccine is given in 3 doses. The first dose is usually given when the child is 6 to 12 weeks old. The other doses are given 4 to 10 weeks apart, before the child is 32 weeks old.

The Rotarix brand of rotavirus oral vaccine is given in 2 doses. The first dose is usually given when the child is 6 weeks old. The second dose is given at least 4 weeks after the first dose, but before the child is 24 weeks old.

Your child's vaccination schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule given by your local health department.

Your child can eat and drink normally after receiving the vaccine.

The vaccine virus can spread to people who have not been vaccinated. Wash your hands after changing diapers to help prevent the spread of the vaccine virus.

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID). This vaccine should not be given if the child has a history of an intestinal problem called intussusception.

You should not get this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to any rotavirus vaccine in the past or if you have or have ever had:

• an allergy to any of the vaccine's ingredients;
• a stomach defect or intussusception (a blockage of the intestines); or
• severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID).

Inform the vaccination provider if you have:

• an allergy to latex;
• a minor cold or illness with a fever;
• diarrhea or vomiting;
• not grown or gained weight as expected;
• a congenital stomach disorder, a blockage in your stomach, or had recent stomach surgery;
• a blood cell disorder or any type of cancer;
• recently received a blood transfusion or blood products (within 42 days); or
• a weak immune system due to disease or certain medicines.

Let your doctor know if anyone living with you or caring for your child has a weak immune system due to disease such as cancer, certain treatments, or using certain medicines that weaken the immune system.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your child should not receive this vaccine if the first dose caused an allergic reaction. The doctor or vaccination provider will decide if it is safe for them to receive this vaccine.

Call the doctor right away if your child shows signs of intussusception, which is a blockage of the intestines. This may happen several weeks after getting the last dose of rotavirus oral vaccine. Symptoms include: severe stomach pain, severe or ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, bloody stools, and high fever.

Also call the doctor immediately if the child has:

• Kawasaki disease symptoms—fever, rash, redness of the skin, eyes, or mouth, swollen glands, and swollen hands or feet.

Not all possible side effects are known. Getting infected with rotavirus is much more dangerous than receiving this vaccine.

Common side effects of rotavirus vaccine, live may include:

• ear infection;
• fussiness or crying;
• loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting;
• fever;
• cough, bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing); or
• runny nose, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call the doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gastroenteritis:

Rotarix(R): 1 mL, orally, for 2 doses, administered at least 4 weeks apartRotaTeq(R): 2 mL (1 dosing tube), orally, for 3 doses, administered 4 to 10 weeks apartComments:-Administer beginning at 6 weeks of age; the 2 dose series/Rotarix(R) should be completed by 24 weeks of age; the 3 dose series/RotaTeq(R) should be completed by 32 weeks.-Rotarix(R): If the infant spits out or regurgitates most of the dose, a single replacement dose may be considered at the same visit.-RotaTeq(R): If the infant spits out or regurgitates most of the dose, do not replace the dose - continue the remaining doses as scheduled.

Tell the doctor if your child misses a dose or falls behind schedule. Make sure your child gets all the recommended doses to be fully protected against disease.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Do not receive other vaccines without first seeking medical advice.

Before getting this vaccine, inform the doctor about all other vaccines your child has had.

Also, let the doctor know if your child has recently received treatments that can weaken the immune system, such as:

• steroid medicine; or
• cancer treatments.

This list is not complete. Other medications may affect rotavirus vaccine, live, oral, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.