Vaccines and Preventable Diseases

• Rotavirus Vaccination

  Brief Description

  Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis (vomiting and severe diarrhea) among children worldwide. Two different rotavirus vaccines are currently licensed for use in infants in the United States. The vaccines are RotaTeq® (RV5) and Rotarix® (RV1). Before being licensed, both vaccines were tested in clinical trials and shown to be safe and effective. In these studies, during approximately the first year of an infant’s life, rotavirus vaccine was found to prevent almost all (85%-98%) rotavirus illness episodes that were severe and to prevent 74%-87% of all rotavirus illness episodes.
  
  

  Vaccine Information

  • Does my child need the rotavirus vaccine?
    Yes! Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis (vomiting and severe diarrhea) among children worldwide. Two different rotavirus vaccines are currently licensed for use in infants in the United States.
  • When does my child need the rotavirus vaccine?
    Your child should receive the vaccine during the first year infancy.
    There are two brands of rotavirus vaccine. A baby should get either 2 or 3 doses, depending on which brand is used.

    The doses are recommended at these ages:

    • First Dose: 2 months of age
    • Second Dose: 4 months of age
    • Third Dose: 6 months of age (if needed)

    The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age, and should be given by age 14 weeks 6 days. The last dose should be given by 8 months of age.

    Rotavirus vaccine may be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines.

    Babies who get the vaccine may be fed normally afterward.