Rotavirus Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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What do I 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.

When should my baby 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.

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

What are reasons my 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

What are the 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.

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

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.

When should I seek immediate care?

• 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.

When should I call my baby's doctor?

• You have questions or concerns about the rotavirus vaccine.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your baby's care. Learn about your baby's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your baby's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your baby. 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.

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Further information

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