Does Your Child Really Need the Rotavirus Vaccine?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsReasons to VaccinateHow the Virus SpreadsWhat to ExpectEfficacySafetyWho Should Avoid It?

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Reasons to Vaccinate

How the Virus Spreads

What to Expect

Efficacy

Safety

Who Should Avoid It?

The rotavirus vaccine provides a safe and effective defense against rotavirus disease and its complications.

The vaccine is mostly given to infants and young children since the disease affects this age group most often. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that infants receive their first dose of this vaccine at 2 months and complete the vaccine series before 8 months of age.

It is easy for the rotavirus to spread. The disease causes severe, waterydiarrhea. Fever and vomiting can also occur, which raises the risk ofdehydration(loss of fluids). Severe cases can be life-threatening.

4 Reasons Your Child Should Get the Rotavirus Vaccine

1. It Works

2. There Is No Treatment for Rotavirus

There are no specific medications to treat rotavirus infection. Children infected with rotavirus must be encouraged to drink fluids to prevent dehydration and the need for hospitalization. Symptoms of the rotavirus can last from three to eight days.

3. Rotavirus Is Highly Contagious

Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhea in the United States. It is a highly contagious virus. Rotavirus infects nearly all young children at least once before they turn 5 years old.

4. The Disease Can Be Life-Threatening

While most children recover from rotavirus without problems, it can lead to dehydration. When this occurs in infants under 12 months old, they may need intravenous (IV) hydration to replenish their liquids and prevent life-threatening complications. When severe cases progress, the disease can causeconvulsionsorshock.Dehydration is the most common cause of rotavirus-related deaths.

It is common for the virus to spread when a healthy person comes in contact with small amounts of infected stool during a diaper change and then touches their mouth. This doesn’t have to happen immediately since the rotavirus can live on your hands for a few hours and on hard, dry objects for several days.

You can also become infected when you put your hands in or near your mouth after you touch infected areas such as toys, changing tables, or doorknobs that have a small amount of infected stool on them. While handwashing and cleaning with a disinfectant can lower the risk of rotavirus spread, this hardy virus is hard to control using only these measures.

Babies and young children have the highest risk of getting rotavirus disease. Children who attend childcare settings have the highest risk for infection. The virus also spreads easily in families and hospitals.

Getting Vaccinated: What to Expect

Vaccine Schedule

The CDC recommends that infants receive their first dose of the rotavirus at 2 months old. The remaining vaccination schedule varies based on the type of vaccine used. The schedule includes:

It is considered safe for your infant to receive a rotavirus vaccine during the same visit that they receive the following vaccines:

When administered at the same time, the rotavirus vaccine does not affect your infant’s immune response to these other vaccines.

Available Vaccines

Both RotaTeq and Rotarix arelive-attenuated viruses, which are manufactured using a live but very weak form of the rotavirus. Because these vaccines are so close to the rotavirus, they prompt a strong and long-lasting immune response that protects against the virus.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) support the use of rotavirus vaccinations and do not state a preference for either RotaTeq or Rotarix. However, both organizations recommend completing the vaccine course using the same product. If it is unknown which type of rotavirus vaccine the child received first, the AAP and ACIP support prioritizing the completion of the series with the vaccine formulation that is available.

Oral Route of Administration

Potential Side Effects

Potential side effects that can occur with either rotavirus vaccination include:

Rarely, intussusception (a type of obstructed bowel syndrome) can occur within a week after the first or second rotavirus immunization. The condition is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate emergency medical treatment. Symptoms usually begin suddenly. Get immediate emergency medical treatment if you notice the following signs of intussusception in your infant after they receive a rotavirus vaccine:

How Effective Is the Vaccine?

The Rotarix and RotaTeq rotavirus vaccines are both considered safe and effective for protecting against severe rotavirus disease. Research from a large study of rotavirus vaccine performance in the United States. indicates that both vaccines are effective in preventing rotavirus-related inpatient hospital visits, emergency room visits, and severe infection among younger children.

According to the CDC, research indicates that both vaccines provide comparable effectiveness in the following ways:

RotaTeq (RV5)

In large clinical trials, RotaTeq demonstrated the following range of effectiveness through the first rotavirus season (December through June) after vaccination:

In addition, during the first two years after vaccination, infants who received the RotaTeq vaccine had a 94% reduced chance of visiting an emergency room and a 96% reduced chance of being hospitalized.

Rotarix (RV1)

Research indicates that Rotarix demonstrated a comparable range of effectiveness:

Rotavirus vs. Norovirus: What Are the Differences?

Is It Safe?

Both rotavirus vaccines are considered safe. The primary safety concern is that the vaccines cause a small increased risk ofintussusception. In this rare but serious condition, a segment of the intestine folds, or “telescopes” onto itself. The condition can occur naturally in infants younger than 24 months. Research indicates that the rate of intussusception in vaccinated infants ranges from about 1 in 20,000 to 1 in every 100,000 infants.

Rotavirus Vaccine Recall in 1999The first rotavirus vaccine was approved in 1998. Called RotaShield, this vaccine was removed from the market the following year. Despite clinical data from before it was was licensed indicating its safety, RotaShield caused a high rate of intussusception in some babies under 12 months old. In its first year of use, the vaccine was linked to 15 cases of intussusception. RotaSheld was promptly removed from the recommended vaccine schedule and is no longer available in the United States.

Rotavirus Vaccine Recall in 1999

The first rotavirus vaccine was approved in 1998. Called RotaShield, this vaccine was removed from the market the following year. Despite clinical data from before it was was licensed indicating its safety, RotaShield caused a high rate of intussusception in some babies under 12 months old. In its first year of use, the vaccine was linked to 15 cases of intussusception. RotaSheld was promptly removed from the recommended vaccine schedule and is no longer available in the United States.

Should Some Children Avoid It?

While the rotavirus vaccine is considered safe for most infants, your healthcare provider can help you determine whether your child should receive the rotavirus vaccine.

According to the CDC, infants with the following characteristics should not receive a rotavirus vaccine:

Infants should not be vaccinated when they have a moderate or severe illness, including moderate or severe diarrhea or vomiting. They can be vaccinated when they recover if they do not have any other contraindications for vaccination.

Allergic ReactionsWhile it’s very rare for children to have an allergic reaction to the rotavirus vaccine, it can occur. Like all vaccines, the rotavirus vaccine carries the potential risk ofanaphylaxis(a life-threatening allergic reaction).An allergic reaction can also occur hours or days after vaccination. Call 911 or seek emergency medical treatment if your child has any of the following signs of an allergic reaction after receiving a rotavirus vaccine:Arrhythmia (rapid heartbeat)Difficulty breathing or swallowingDizzinessInability to wake upSwelling of the face and throatUrticaria (hives)Weakness

Allergic Reactions

While it’s very rare for children to have an allergic reaction to the rotavirus vaccine, it can occur. Like all vaccines, the rotavirus vaccine carries the potential risk ofanaphylaxis(a life-threatening allergic reaction).An allergic reaction can also occur hours or days after vaccination. Call 911 or seek emergency medical treatment if your child has any of the following signs of an allergic reaction after receiving a rotavirus vaccine:Arrhythmia (rapid heartbeat)Difficulty breathing or swallowingDizzinessInability to wake upSwelling of the face and throatUrticaria (hives)Weakness

While it’s very rare for children to have an allergic reaction to the rotavirus vaccine, it can occur. Like all vaccines, the rotavirus vaccine carries the potential risk ofanaphylaxis(a life-threatening allergic reaction).

An allergic reaction can also occur hours or days after vaccination. Call 911 or seek emergency medical treatment if your child has any of the following signs of an allergic reaction after receiving a rotavirus vaccine:

Summary

The rotavirus vaccine is advised for all healthy infants, starting at 2 months of age. The vaccine is the best way to protect your child from the rotavirus and its severe complications. Your infant can receive comparable defense from either of two FDA-approved oral rotavirus vaccines.

Side effects of the rotavirus vaccine are mild for most infants. The vaccine also carries a very small risk of intussusception. However, the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh the slight risk of getting this side effect. Knowing the symptoms of intussusception and other adverse side effects can help you recognize when these problems occur.

18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Rotavirus VIS.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Rotavirus.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Frequently asked questions about rotavirus.Yeasmin S, Hasan SMT, Chisti MJ, Khan MA, Faruque ASG, Ahmed T.Factors associated with dehydrating rotavirus diarrhea in children under five in Bangladesh: An urban-rural comparison.PLoS One. 2022;17(8):e0273862. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0273862U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Clinical overview of rotavirus.Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).Rotavirus.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).Rotavirus vaccine.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Administering the rotavirus vaccine.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccine types.Committee on Infectious Diseases; American Academy of Pediatrics.Prevention of rotavirus disease: updated guidelines for use of rotavirus vaccine.Pediatrics. 2009 May;123(5):1412-20. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-0466Cortese MM, Parashar UD.Prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis among infants and children: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).MMWR Recomm Rep. 2009;58:1-25.Alberta Health Services.Care after immunizations: infant and child.Immunisation Advisory Centre.Quick answers to frequent rotavirus vaccine questions.Payne DC, Englund JA, Weinberg GA, et al.Association of rotavirus vaccination with inpatient and emergency department visits among children seeking care for acute gastroenteritis, 2010-2016.JAMA Netw Open.2019;2(9):e1912242. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12242U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About the vaccine: vaccine composition and dosage.Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Rotavirus Vaccine Safety.Rotavirus Vaccine Safety.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Rotavirus vaccination.Seattle Children’s.Immunization reactions.

18 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Rotavirus VIS.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Rotavirus.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Frequently asked questions about rotavirus.Yeasmin S, Hasan SMT, Chisti MJ, Khan MA, Faruque ASG, Ahmed T.Factors associated with dehydrating rotavirus diarrhea in children under five in Bangladesh: An urban-rural comparison.PLoS One. 2022;17(8):e0273862. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0273862U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Clinical overview of rotavirus.Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).Rotavirus.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).Rotavirus vaccine.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Administering the rotavirus vaccine.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccine types.Committee on Infectious Diseases; American Academy of Pediatrics.Prevention of rotavirus disease: updated guidelines for use of rotavirus vaccine.Pediatrics. 2009 May;123(5):1412-20. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-0466Cortese MM, Parashar UD.Prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis among infants and children: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).MMWR Recomm Rep. 2009;58:1-25.Alberta Health Services.Care after immunizations: infant and child.Immunisation Advisory Centre.Quick answers to frequent rotavirus vaccine questions.Payne DC, Englund JA, Weinberg GA, et al.Association of rotavirus vaccination with inpatient and emergency department visits among children seeking care for acute gastroenteritis, 2010-2016.JAMA Netw Open.2019;2(9):e1912242. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12242U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About the vaccine: vaccine composition and dosage.Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Rotavirus Vaccine Safety.Rotavirus Vaccine Safety.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Rotavirus vaccination.Seattle Children’s.Immunization reactions.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Rotavirus VIS.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Rotavirus.National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Frequently asked questions about rotavirus.Yeasmin S, Hasan SMT, Chisti MJ, Khan MA, Faruque ASG, Ahmed T.Factors associated with dehydrating rotavirus diarrhea in children under five in Bangladesh: An urban-rural comparison.PLoS One. 2022;17(8):e0273862. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0273862U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Clinical overview of rotavirus.Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).Rotavirus.Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).Rotavirus vaccine.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Administering the rotavirus vaccine.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccine types.Committee on Infectious Diseases; American Academy of Pediatrics.Prevention of rotavirus disease: updated guidelines for use of rotavirus vaccine.Pediatrics. 2009 May;123(5):1412-20. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-0466Cortese MM, Parashar UD.Prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis among infants and children: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).MMWR Recomm Rep. 2009;58:1-25.Alberta Health Services.Care after immunizations: infant and child.Immunisation Advisory Centre.Quick answers to frequent rotavirus vaccine questions.Payne DC, Englund JA, Weinberg GA, et al.Association of rotavirus vaccination with inpatient and emergency department visits among children seeking care for acute gastroenteritis, 2010-2016.JAMA Netw Open.2019;2(9):e1912242. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12242U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About the vaccine: vaccine composition and dosage.Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Rotavirus Vaccine Safety.Rotavirus Vaccine Safety.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Rotavirus vaccination.Seattle Children’s.Immunization reactions.

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Payne DC, Englund JA, Weinberg GA, et al.Association of rotavirus vaccination with inpatient and emergency department visits among children seeking care for acute gastroenteritis, 2010-2016.JAMA Netw Open.2019;2(9):e1912242. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12242

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About the vaccine: vaccine composition and dosage.

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U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Rotavirus vaccination.

Seattle Children’s.Immunization reactions.

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