Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that commonly causes severe, watery diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children
. It can also cause vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain
. Rotavirus vaccines are given to protect children from rotavirus disease and its complications, such as dehydration and hospitalization
. There are two rotavirus vaccines currently licensed for infants in the United States:
- RotaTeq® (RV5) : This vaccine is given in 3 doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months
- Rotarix® (RV1) : This vaccine is given in 2 doses at ages 2 months and 4 months
The first dose of either vaccine should be given before a child is 15 weeks of age, and children should receive all doses before turning 8 months old
. The vaccines are given by putting drops in the child's mouth
. Rotavirus vaccines are live attenuated vaccines, which means they contain a weakened form of the virus
. They are very effective in protecting children against rotavirus infection and have been used in many countries for over 10 years
. Most children (about 9 out of 10) who get the vaccine will be protected from severe rotavirus disease, and about 7 out of 10 children will be protected from rotavirus disease of any severity
. Possible side effects of rotavirus immunization include diarrhea, vomiting, and fever
. The vaccine is not recommended for children who are currently sick, have a serious allergic reaction to an earlier dose of the vaccine, have severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), or have had intussusception in the past
. However, simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
