Rotavirus vaccine, live

Generic name: rotavirus vaccine, live (oral)
Brand names: Rotarix, RotaTeq, RotaShield
Dosage forms: oral liquid (monovalent), oral powder for reconstitution (monovalent), oral suspension (pentavalent)
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 11, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is rotavirus oral vaccine?

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.

Rotavirus oral vaccine side effects

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 of rotavirus vaccine, live 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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID). This vaccine should not be given if the child has a history of an intestinal problem called intussusception.

Before taking this medicine

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.

How is rotavirus oral vaccine given?

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.

Rotavirus vaccine, live dosing information

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gastroenteritis:

Rotarix(R): 1 mL, orally, for 2 doses, administered at least 4 weeks apart

RotaTeq(R): 2 mL (1 dosing tube), orally, for 3 doses, administered 4 to 10 weeks apart

Comments:
-Administer beginning at 6 weeks of age; the 2 dose series/Rotarix(R) should be completed by 24 weeks of age; the 3 dose series/RotaTeq(R) should be completed by 32 weeks.
-Rotarix(R): If the infant spits out or regurgitates most of the dose, a single replacement dose may be considered at the same visit.
-RotaTeq(R): If the infant spits out or regurgitates most of the dose, do not replace the dose - continue the remaining doses as scheduled.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving rotavirus oral vaccine?

Avoid receiving other vaccines without first seeking medical advice.

What other drugs will affect rotavirus oral vaccine?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor about all other vaccines your child has received.

Also tell the doctor if your child has recently received treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine; or

• cancer treatments.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect rotavirus oral vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

• The vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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