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In this Article

• What is rotavirus oral vaccine (Rotarix)?
• What are the possible side effects of rotavirus oral vaccine (Rotarix)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rotavirus oral vaccine (Rotarix)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving rotavirus oral vaccine (Rotarix)?
• How is rotavirus oral vaccine given (Rotarix)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Rotarix)?
• What happens if I overdose (Rotarix)?
• What should I avoid while taking rotavirus oral vaccine (Rotarix)?
• What other drugs will affect rotavirus oral vaccine (Rotarix)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving rotavirus oral vaccine (Rotarix)?

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has ever had a serious allergic reaction to a rotavirus oral vaccine in the past, or if the child was born with a stomach or intestinal problem that has not been corrected.

Before your child receives this vaccine, tell the doctor if your child has recently had a fever, or if the child has:

• HIV or AIDS;
• a current stomach illness or diarrhea;
• a congenital stomach disorder or recent stomach surgery;
• leukemia or other blood disease;
• if the child is allergic to latex rubber; or
• if the child has recently received a blood transfusion.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

Tell the doctor if anyone living with or caring for the child has cancer or a weak immune system, or is receiving treatments that can weaken the immune system (such as radiation, chemotherapy, or steroids).

Rotavirus oral vaccine may cause an intestinal problem called intussusception (in-tuh-suh-SEP-shun) in some people. Intussusception is when a section of the intestine folds over into itself, creating an obstruction in the bowel. Call your doctor as soon as possible if your child has stomach pain or bloating, vomiting (especially if it is golden-brown to green in color), bloody stools, grunting or excessive crying, and eventually weakness and shallow breathing.

How is rotavirus oral vaccine given (Rotarix)?

Your child will receive this vaccine in a clinic, hospital, or doctor's office. The rotavirus oral vaccine is given as an oral (by mouth) liquid.

The RotaTeq brand of rotavirus oral vaccine is given in a series of 3 doses. The first dose is usually given when the child is 6 to 12 weeks old. The booster doses are then given at 4-week to 10-week intervals before the child reaches 32 weeks of age.

The Rotarix brand of rotavirus oral vaccine is given in a series of 2 doses. The first dose is usually given when the child is 6 weeks old. The second dose is then given at least 4 weeks after the first dose, but before the child reaches 24 weeks of age.

Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Tell your doctor if your child spits up or vomits within 1 or 2 hours after receiving rotavirus oral vaccine. The child may need to receive a replacement dose to be fully protected from rotavirus.

Always wash your hands after handling the diapers of a child who has been given the rotavirus oral vaccine. Small amounts of the virus may be passed in the child's stool and could possibly infect others who come into contact with the child's stool.