The rotavirus vaccine is recommended for infants to protect against gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus disease.
For more information, see Rotavirus Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vaccine Recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rotavirus Vaccination. A summary of changes to the 2021 adult immunization schedule is available here.
(See also Overview of Immunization.)
Preparations of Rotavirus Vaccine
Indications for Rotavirus Vaccine
The rotavirus vaccine is a routine childhood vaccination (see Table: Recommended Immunization Schedule for Ages 0–6 Years).
Contraindications and Precautions of Rotavirus Vaccine
Contraindications for rotavirus vaccines are
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A severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of the vaccine or to a vaccine component (including latex, which is in the RV1 applicator)
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Infants with severe combined immunodeficiency
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Infants who have had intussusception
The main precautions with rotavirus vaccines are
The safety and efficacy of rotavirus vaccines have not be established in infants with the following:
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HIV/AIDS or any other disease that affects the immune system
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Treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants
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Cancer or cancer treatment with radiation or drugs
Dose and Administration of Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus vaccines are given orally by putting drops in the infant's mouth. The dosing for the 2 vaccines is slightly different:
If the first dose of rotavirus vaccine is inadvertently given at age ≥ 15 weeks, the remaining doses should be given at the routinely recommended intervals.
Rotavirus vaccine should not be given after age 8 months 0 days, even if the series is incomplete.
Adverse Effects of Rotavirus Vaccine
More Information
The following are some English-language resources that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
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Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): Rotavirus ACIP Vaccine Recommendations
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rotavirus Vaccination: Information for Health Care Professionals
