Rotavirus Vaccine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about the rotavirus vaccine:
The rotavirus vaccine is given to prevent rotavirus disease. Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. This can cause life-threatening dehydration.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- Your baby has signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, or wheezing.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your baby shows signs of stomach pain, such as pulling his or her legs to the abdomen, or severe crying.
- Your baby vomits several times.
- You see blood in your baby's bowel movement.
- Your baby is weak or irritable.
- Your baby has a high fever, or you notice behavior changes that concern you.
Call your baby's doctor if:
- You have questions or concerns about the rotavirus vaccine.
When your baby should 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 baby swallows.
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Who should wait to get the rotavirus vaccine:
Your baby 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
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
- measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
- ProQuad
- Rotarix
- RotaTeq
- rotavirus vaccine
Reasons your baby may not get the rotavirus vaccine:
Talk to your baby's healthcare provider if your baby 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
Risks of the rotavirus vaccine:
Your baby may be irritable, or have mild diarrhea or vomiting. Bowel blockage may develop in rare cases. Your baby may still get rotavirus, even after the vaccine. He or she may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening.
Follow up with your baby's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Rotavirus Vaccine
Treatment options
Care guides
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine for Adolescents
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine for Adults
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine for Children
- Rotavirus Vaccine
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
