Rotavirus vaccine helps protect infants against gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the digestive tract that results in vomiting, diarrhea, and, if symptoms persist, dehydration and organ damage.
Vaccine Type
Two rotavirus vaccines are available in the United States: RV5 and RV1.
Both vaccines are live-attenuated vaccines, which means they contain a weakened (attenuated) but still live version of the rotavirus. Because the virus is weakened, it can cannot cause gastroenteritis, but it does trigger a strong response from a person's immune system (see Active immunization).
Dose of and Recommendations for Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus vaccines are given by putting drops in an infant's mouth.
People who may get this vaccine
Guidance on rotavirus vaccination evolves over time, and various expert organizations publish recommendations for who may be given rotavirus vaccines, and these recommendations may vary. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Vaccines for Your Children, the All About the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Immunization Schedule, and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Rotavirus vaccine is recommended as a routine childhood vaccination by some expert organizations. Two or 3 doses are given depending on which vaccine is used: 1 dose at age 2 months and 1 dose 4 months or 1 dose at 2 months, 1 dose at 4 months, and 1 dose at 6 months.
People who should not get this vaccine
Infants who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to an component in the vaccine should not be given the rotavirus vaccine.
Certain conditions may affect whether and when infants are vaccinated (see also CDC: Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated With These Vaccines?). For example, rotavirus vaccine should not be given to infants who have a weakened immune system, severe combined immunodeficiency disorder, or who have had intussusception (a condition in which one segment of the intestine slides into another).
If infants have a temporary illness, doctors usually wait to give the vaccine until the illness resolves.
Side Effects of Rotavirus Vaccine
Side effects may include mild, temporary diarrhea or vomiting. Infants may become irritable.
When an older rotavirus vaccine was used, the risk of intussusception was increased. In intussusception, the intestine is blocked because one segment of the intestine slides into another, much like the parts of a telescope. The older vaccine was taken off the market in the United States. The newer vaccines, when given as recommended, may increase the risk of intussusception, but only slightly.
For more information about side effects, see the package inserts.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rotavirus vaccine information statement
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): Rotavirus Infection: Recommended vaccinations
