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This vaccine is important because it protects against
rotavirus, a
virus that can lead to severe diarrhea. Almost all children living
in the United States are infected by this virus by their 5th
birthday.
While most rotavirus infections are mild, approximately 1
in 50 leads to severe dehydration. Each year, rotavirus leads to
more than 200,000 emergency room visits, 70,000 hospitalizations, and
20 to 60 deaths.
Prevention is the key to not contracting rotavirus, and the most
effective preventive method is the rotavirus vaccine.
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Who should receive the rotavirus vaccine?
In order for the rotavirus vaccine to be fully effective, three
doses should be given to children when they are the following ages:
- 2 months (as early as 6 weeks)
- 4 months
- 6 months
Infants should have received all three doses by the time they are 32
weeks old.
Some children should not receive the rotavirus vaccine including:
- Children who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component
of the rotavirus vaccine or a previous dose of the vaccine
- Children who are older than 32 weeks
Parents of children with a weakened immune system or who recently
have had a blood transfusion or blood product should speak to their
child’s primary health care provider before getting the rotavirus
vaccine.
Review the
vaccination
schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one
month behind.
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When did the rotavirus vaccine become available?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the first
rotavirus
vaccine (RotaShield®) in 1998. Its use was suspended in 1999
because a number of children who were vaccinated developed intussusception, a serious disease where the bowel is blocked.
In 2006, the FDA licensed a new
rotavirus vaccine called RotaTeq®. In a study of more than 70,000
children, the chance of developing intussusception was similar in
children who received RotaTeq® and those who received a placebo.
How does someone become infected with rotavirus?
This highly contagious virus is spread from person-to-person
contact.
How effective is the rotavirus vaccine?
Approximately 98 percent of children who receive this vaccine do not
get severe rotavirus diarrhea, and 74 percent of children do not get
rotavirus diarrhea at all.
Are there any serious side effects of the rotavirus vaccine?
Serious risks from the rotavirus vaccine are quite rare. Mild side
effects may include temporary mild diarrhea or vomiting.
How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your child’s
pediatrician or your primary health care provider. Your provider can
answer your questions and give you more information on the rotavirus
vaccine.
Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child to protect
against rotavirus.
 
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