The best way to protect against rotavirus disease is to get the rotavirus vaccine. Children who are not vaccinated usually have more severe symptoms the first time they get rotavirus disease. Vaccinated children are less likely to get sick from rotavirus.
There are two rotavirus vaccines licensed for use in infants in the United States. Both available rotavirus vaccines are given by putting drops in the infant's mouth. Your child's doctor can help you choose which rotavirus vaccine to use.
Rotavirus vaccine can be safely given during the same doctor’s visit with DTaP vaccine; Hib vaccine; polio vaccine; hepatitis B vaccine; and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Your baby should get either of the two available rotavirus vaccines.
RotaTeq ® (RV5) is given as 3 doses.
Rotarix ® (RV1) given as 2 doses.
Before your child turns 15 weeks old, they should get the first dose of either rotavirus vaccine. Before your child turns 8 months old, they should receive all doses of rotavirus vaccine.
Rotavirus spreads easily among infants and young children. Getting vaccinated with the rotavirus helps:
Most infants should get rotavirus vaccine to protect against rotavirus disease.
Some infants should not get rotavirus vaccine, or they should wait. Check with your healthcare provider if your child has:
Infants who are moderately or severely ill should wait to get the vaccine until they recover. These include infants with moderate or severe diarrhea or vomiting. Babies who are mildly ill can get the vaccine.
Rotavirus vaccine is very safe and is effective at preventing rotavirus. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.
Both rotavirus vaccines were tested in large clinical trials that involved thousands of infants.
Before a vaccine was available, many children who became ill with rotavirus were hospitalized. Now, 94% to 96% vaccinated children are protected from hospitalization.
Most babies who get rotavirus vaccine have no problems. However, some babies can have side effects that are usually mild and go away on their own. These may include irritability and mild, temporary diarrhea or vomiting after a dose of rotavirus vaccine.
Serious side effects are possible but very rare. There is a small risk in cases of intussusception within a week after the first or second dose of rotavirus vaccine. Intussusception is a rare type of bowel blockage when the bowel folds into itself like a telescope.
Before rotavirus vaccine was used in the United States, each year about 1,900 infants developed intussusception before 1 year of age. With prompt treatment at the hospital, almost all infants who develop intussusception fully recover. Some babies might need surgery. The risk of intussusception from rotavirus vaccine is about:
Look for signs of stomach pain along with severe crying. Babies might pull their legs up to their chest, vomit several times, or have blood in the stool. If you think it's intussusception, call a doctor right away. If you can't reach your doctor, take your baby to a hospital. Tell them when your baby got the rotavirus vaccine.
Your or your child’s doctor’s office is usually the best place to receive recommended vaccines. Vaccines may also be available at pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics, health departments, schools, or religious centers.
Keep Reading: Where to Find VaccinesThere are a few ways to cover the cost of vaccines:
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. However, you may want to check with your insurance provider before going to a healthcare provider. Check for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.
Your children may be able to get no-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This program helps families of eligible children who may not be able to afford or have access to vaccines.
