Indications
Rotavirus vaccine is used to protect babies and young infants against gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) caused by rotavirus. Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in young children worldwide, and the vaccine greatly reduces hospital admissions and deaths from it.
How It Works
The vaccine contains live rotavirus that has been weakened so that it does not cause illness. When swallowed, it multiplies a little in the gut and trains the baby’s immune system to recognise rotavirus. If the child later meets the real virus, the immune system can fight it off quickly, preventing severe disease.
Dosage and Administration
The vaccine is given by mouth (as drops or liquid) by a doctor, nurse or trained health worker. It is not injected. Depending on the product, babies receive 2 or 3 doses, starting from about 6 weeks of age, with at least 4 weeks between doses, following the national immunisation schedule or the doctor’s advice. The course should be completed early in infancy within the age limits set for the product. Babies can feed normally before and after vaccination.
Interactions
Rotavirus vaccine can be given at the same visit as other routine childhood vaccines. Babies taking medicines that weaken the immune system, such as high-dose corticosteroids, may not respond well and should be assessed by a doctor first.
Contraindications
The vaccine should not be given to a baby who:
- Had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredient
- Has had intussusception (a bowel blockage where one part of the bowel slides into another)
- Has a bowel malformation that could lead to intussusception
- Has severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
Vaccination is usually postponed if the baby has a high fever or active diarrhoea or vomiting.
Side Effects
Most babies have no problems. Possible side effects include:
- Irritability or crying
- Mild diarrhoea, vomiting or loss of appetite
- Mild fever or runny nose
Very rarely, intussusception can occur, mostly within 7 days after a dose. Get urgent medical help if the baby has severe stomach pain or bouts of crying with drawing up of the legs, repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, a swollen tummy or high fever, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
This vaccine is for infants and is not used in adults. Breastfeeding can continue normally before and after the baby is vaccinated.
Precautions and Warnings
The weakened virus can pass into the baby’s stool for some days after vaccination. Wash hands well after changing nappies, especially if someone in the home has a weak immune system. Tell the health worker if the baby has a long-term illness, a stomach or bowel problem, or was born to a mother who took immune-suppressing medicines during pregnancy.
Overdose
Extra doses given by mistake have not been linked with serious harm, but tell the doctor so the schedule can be reviewed.
Therapeutic Class
Viral vaccine (live attenuated oral rotavirus vaccine).
Storage
Stored by the health facility as directed on the pack, usually in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.