Your Child's Immunizations: Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is a common virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, especially in infants and young children. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks.

Immunization Schedule

The vaccine, which is a liquid given by mouth, is recommended at ages 2 and 4 months, and again at 6 months, depending on the brand of vaccine used.

Why the Vaccine Is Recommended

Rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and, for some kids, hospitalization. Vaccination against rotavirus can help stop spread in the community, in addition to protecting the individual child.

Possible Risks

Side effects can include diarrhea and vomiting, in addition to fever.

When to Delay or Avoid Immunization

The vaccine is not recommended if your child:

is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
has severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), a genetic disorder

Let the doctor know if your child has an allergy to latex, since one of the rotavirus vaccine brands has a latex applicator.

Talk to your doctor about whether it's a good idea for your child to be vaccinated if he or she:

has an abnormality of the digestive system or a gastrointestinal disease
has a history of intussusception, a type of serious bowel blockage
has recently received gamma globulin or a blood transfusion
has immune system problems from a disease such as cancer; is taking prednisone, steroids, or other immunosuppressive drugs; or is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Your doctor may determine that the benefits of vaccinating your child outweigh the potential risks.

Caring for Your Child After Immunization

Depending on your child's age, fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication and to find out the appropriate dose.

If vomiting or diarrhea occur, give your child small, frequent amounts of fluid and watch for signs of dehydration, such as less urine (pee) than usual.

When to Call the Doctor

Call if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided.
Call if there are problems after the immunization.

Rarely, some kids will develop intussusception within a week of getting the first dose of the vaccine. So after the first dose, watch for signs of intussusception, which can include periods of intense abdominal pain with uncontrollable crying; vomiting; blood or mucus in the poop; and seeming weak, drowsy, or fussy.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: October 2012

Related Resources

National Immunization Program This website has information about immunizations. Call: (800) 232-2522

Immunization Action Coalition This organization is a source of childhood, adolescent, and adult immunization information as well as hepatitis B educational materials.

CDC Immunization: Pre-teens and Adolescents CDC site provides materials in English and Spanish for parents, teens, pre-teens, and health care providers about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

The History of Vaccines The History of Vaccines is an informational, educational website created by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the oldest professional society in the United States.

Your Child's Immunizations Immunizations protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.

How Do I Know Which Vaccines My Kids Need? Find out what the experts have to say.

Rotavirus Rotavirus infection affects most kids and is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. A vaccine to prevent it is now recommended for all kids.

Immunization Schedule Which vaccines does your child need to receive and when? Use this immunization schedule as a handy reference.

How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots? Find out what the experts have to say.