What is rotavirus vaccine?

Rotavirus vaccine contains five strains of rotavirus. It is made from both human and animal sources.

Rotavirus can affect the digestive system of babies and young children, causing severe gastrointestinal illness. This vaccine helps the body develop immunity to keep the child from becoming infected with rotavirus.

Rotavirus vaccine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving rotavirus vaccine?

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has ever had a serious allergic reaction to a rotavirus vaccine in the past.

Your child can still receive a rotavirus vaccine if the child has a cold or other minor illness. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

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; or
• if the child has recently received a blood transfusion.

If the child has any of these conditions, he or she may not be able to receive a rotavirus 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 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 should I use rotavirus vaccine?

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

Your child will receive a series of three doses of rotavirus vaccine beginning at 6 to 12 weeks of age. The rotavirus vaccine doses are given 4 to 10 weeks apart.

Always wash your hands after handling the diapers of a child who has been given the rotavirus 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if your child misses a dose of this vaccine. Your child may not be protected from rotavirus if the doses aren't given within 10 weeks of each other. Try to keep all appointments.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think your child has received too much of this medicine. An overdose is unlikely because the medicine is packaged as a pre-measured dose.

What should I avoid while taking rotavirus vaccine?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after receiving rotavirus vaccine unless your child's doctor has told you otherwise.

What are the possible side effects of rotavirus vaccine?

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When your child receives another vaccine in the future, you will need to tell the doctor if the first shot caused any side effects. Getting rotavirus disease is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects. The risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Get emergency medical help if your child has any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if your child has any of these serious side effects:

• seizure (black-out or convulsions);
• fever, chills, cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, chest or stomach pain, weakness, loss of appetite;
• runny or stuffy nose, mild cough, other cold symptoms; or
• painful or difficult urination.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as cyring or mild irritability.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect rotavirus vaccine?

Before your child receives rotavirus vaccine, tell the doctor if the child has recently been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, steroids, or other treatments that can weaken the immune system.

There may be other drugs that can affect rotavirus vaccine. Tell your child's doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications your child uses. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your child's doctor.