Rotateq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live (Oral))
A rotavirus infection is caused by coming into contact with water or food contaminated by feces infected with the virus and is commonly spreads in families, hospitals, and childcare centers. Rotavirus commonly causes severe, watery diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children.
The rotavirus oral vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in children.
This vaccine works by exposing your child to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
The RotaTeq brand is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 32 weeks old.
The Rotarix brand is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 24 weeks old.
Like any vaccine, the rotavirus oral vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Rotateq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live (Oral))?
You should not receive this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to any rotavirus vaccine you received in the past or if you have or have ever had:
- allergy to any of the ingredients of the vaccine;
- a stomach defect or intussusception (a blockage of the intestines); or
- severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID).
Tell the vaccination provider if you have:
- allergy to latex;
- a minor cold, or illness with a fever;
- diarrhea or is vomiting;
- has not grown or gained weight as expected;
- a congenital stomach disorder, a blockage in your stomach, or recent stomach surgery;
- blood cell disorder, or any type of cancer;
- recently received a blood transfusion or blood products (within 42 days); or
- a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine.
Tell the doctor if anyone living with you or caring for your child has a weak immune system caused by disease such as cancer, certain treatments, or using certain medicines that weaken the immune system.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Rotateq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live (Oral))?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Your child should not receive this vaccine if the first dose of this vaccine caused an allergic reaction. The doctor or vaccination provider will determine if they can safely receive this vaccine.
Call the doctor at once if your child has signs of intussusception, a blockage of the intestines. This may occur several weeks after receiving the last dose of rotavirus oral vaccine. Symptoms include: severe stomach pain, severe or ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, bloody stools, high fever.
Also call the doctor at once if the child has:
- Kawasaki disease symptoms--fever, rash, redness of the skin, eyes, or mouth, swollen glands, and swollen hands or feet.
Not all possible side effects are known. Becoming infected with rotavirus is much more dangerous than receiving this vaccine.
Common side effects may include:
- ear infection;
- fussiness or crying;
- loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting;
- fever;
- cough, bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing); or
- runny nose, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call the doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Rotateq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live (Oral))?
Avoid receiving other vaccines without first seeking medical advice.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Rotateq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live (Oral))?
Use Rotateq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live (Oral)) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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 additional 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 vaccination schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.
Your child can be fed normally after receiving the vaccine.
The spread of vaccine virus to non-vaccinated individuals may occur. Wash your hands after diaper changes to help prevent the spread of the vaccine virus.
Tell the doctor if your child misses a dose or if he or she gets behind schedule. Be sure your child receives all recommended doses to be fully protected against disease.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Rotateq (Rotavirus Vaccine, Live (Oral))?
An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.