The rotavirus vaccine is given to prevent rotavirus disease. Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. This can cause life-threatening dehydration.
When should my child get the rotavirus vaccine?
Doses are normally given at 2 and 4 months. A third dose may be needed at 6 months. The vaccine is given in drops that your child swallows.
Who should wait to get the rotavirus vaccine?
Your child may need to wait to get the vaccine if he or she has any of the following:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A weakened immune system, HIV, or cancer
- Current use of medicines such as steroids
What are reasons my child may not get the rotavirus vaccine?
Talk to your child's healthcare provider if your child has any of the following:
- An allergic reaction to a dose of the vaccine, or a past reaction to any part of the vaccine
- No doses of the vaccine received by age 15 weeks
- Severe allergies, including a latex allergy
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- A bowel blockage now or in the past
What are the risks of the rotavirus vaccine?
Your child may be irritable, or have mild diarrhea or vomiting. Bowel blockage may develop in rare cases. Your child may still get rotavirus, even after the vaccine. He or she may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
- measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
- ProQuad
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your child has signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, or wheezing.
When should I seek immediate care?
- Your child shows signs of stomach pain, such as pulling his or her legs to the abdomen, or severe crying.
- Your child vomits several times.
- You see blood in your child's bowel movement.
- Your child is weak or irritable.
- Your child has a high fever, or you notice behavior changes that concern you.
When should I call my child's doctor?
- You have questions or concerns about the rotavirus vaccine.