Rotavirus Vaccine Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 9, 2024.
Applies to rotavirus vaccine: oral powder for suspension, oral suspension.
Other dosage forms:
Serious side effects of rotavirus vaccine
Along with its needed effects, rotavirus vaccine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking rotavirus vaccine:
More common side effects
Less common side effects
- chest tightness
- cough
- noisy breathing
- trouble breathing
Rare side effects
Incidence not known
- blood in the urine
- bloody nose
- heavier menstrual periods
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- red eyes
- red mouth
- skin rash
- swollen glands
- swollen hands and feet
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Other side effects of rotavirus vaccine
Some side effects of rotavirus vaccine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- crying, fussiness, or irritability
- runny nose
Less common side effects
- bloated
- excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
- full feeling
- passing gas
Incidence not known
- hives or welts
- itching
- redness of the skin
- skin rash
For healthcare professionals
Applies to rotavirus vaccine: oral liquid, oral powder for reconstitution, oral suspension.
General adverse events
The most common adverse events were irritability, cough, runny nose, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (24.1%), vomiting (15.2%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Flatulence, abdominal pain
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hematochezia, gastroenteritis
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Intussusception, frequent bowel movement
- Postmarketing reports: Recurrent intussusception (including death), gastroenteritis with vaccine viral shedding in infants with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID)[Ref]
Other
- Very common (10% or more): Fever (28%), otitis media (14.5%)
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Death
- Postmarketing reports: Maladministration, transmission of vaccine virus strains from vaccine recipient to non-vaccinated contacts[Ref]
Respiratory
- Very common (10% or more): Cough/runny nose (31%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, bronchospasm
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bronchiolitis, pneumonia
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Apnea
- Postmarketing reports: Apnea in very premature infants (28 weeks gestation or less)[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Very common (10% or more): Fussiness/irritability (52%)[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dermatitis
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Urticaria, rash, eczema, dermatitis atopic
- Postmarketing reports: Angioedema[Ref]
Metabolic
- Very common (10% or more): Loss of appetite (25%)
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastroenteritis
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Dehydration, weight gain poor[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reaction[Ref]
Nervous system
Cardiovascular
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Kawasaki disease[Ref]
Hematologic
- Postmarketing reports: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary tract infection[Ref]
References
1. (2006) "Product Information. RotaTeq (rotavirus vaccine)." Merck & Co., Inc
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
3. (2008) "Product Information. Rotarix (rotavirus vaccine)." GlaxoSmithKline
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
More about rotavirus vaccine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: viral vaccines
- En español
Patient resources
- Rotavirus vaccine, live drug information
- Rotavirus vaccine, live (Advanced Reading)
- Rotavirus Oral Vaccine
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Professional resources
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Further information
Rotavirus vaccine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.