Rotavirus Live Vaccine

Rotavirus live vaccine may prevent gastroenteritis (serious diarrhea and vomiting) that may occur with infection due to certain types of rotavirus viruses.

Infection with rotavirus can cause serious dehydration (loss of body fluids) that may result in hospitalization.

Rotavirus live vaccine contains 4 strains or live virus that has been weakened so it does not cause disease but can still stimulate the body to make antibodies against the virus to provide a defense against potential infection.

This vaccine does not offer full protection against rotavirus gastroenteritis. There are many different forms of rotavirus and this vaccine only covers a portion of them.

Rotavirus live vaccine comes as a suspension (liquid) to be given orally by a healthcare provider.

Rotavirus live vaccine is given as two doses. The first dose is given beginning at 6 weeks of age. The second vaccine dose should be given at least 4 weeks later, but before the child is 24 months of age.

Tell your vaccine provider if your child:

• has had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms they had.
• has a history of a serious problem called intussusception that happens when a part of the intestine gets blocked or twisted, a problem with the digestive system at birth that has not been corrected with surgery, or Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID; a severe problem with the immune system).
• has cancer, immune system problems, or if they currently have diarrhea or vomiting.
• will be in close contact with someone who has problems with their immune system or is being treated for cancer.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

Side effects that have been reported with rotavirus live vaccine include:

• fussiness or irritability
• loss of appetite
• cough, runny nose

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• vomiting, diarrhea, bloody bowel movement, fever, severe stomach pain
• fever, rash, red eyes and mouth, swollen glands, swollen hands and feet
• rash, hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, mouth, lips and tongue

A child who gets the rotavirus vaccine may pass small amounts of the virus in their stool for up to 10 days afterward. Wash hands and dispose of diapers in a safe manner to prevent the spread of the virus to household contacts. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of receiving this vaccine.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit https://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

• Rotarix^®