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Rotateq

Rotavirus Vaccine
Used for Rotavirus
Used for Rotavirus

Rotavirus vaccine is a live vaccine that protects your child from getting rotavirus gastroenteritis, a stomach infection caused by rotavirus. There are 2 available rotavirus vaccine, Rotarix (a 2-dose series) and RotaTeq (a 3-dose series), and your child will typically get one or the other. Both are given by mouth and most babies start their first dose around 2 months old. Rotavirus vaccine is recommended as a routine vaccine for all children, except for those with certain medical conditions.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 27, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Rotavirus vaccine?

What is Rotavirus vaccine used for?

How Rotavirus vaccine works

Rotavirus vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine that protects you from rotavirus gastroenteritis, which is a stomach infection caused by rotavirus. The exact way that this vaccine works is unknown. It's thought that after you take this vaccine, the weakened version of rotavirus makes copies of itself in your gut. Your body's immune system then makes antibodies against the weakened bacteria. These antibodies will help you fight against the actual rotavirus if it ever infects your body.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRotaTeq, Rotarix
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Rotavirus vaccine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Caregiver-reported side effects within 8 days of receiving a dose of Rotarix:
  • Fussiness/feeling irritated (52%)
  • Cough (31%)
  • Runny nose (31%)
  • Fever (28%)
  • Loss of appetite (25%)
  • Vomiting (13%)
Caregiver-reported side effects within 7 days of receiving a dose of RotaTeq:
  • Diarrhea (10%)
  • Vomiting (7%)
  • Fussiness/feeling irritated (7%)

Other Side Effects

Rotarix:
  • Diarrhea
RotaTeq:
  • Ear infection
  • Common cold symptoms

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Intussusception (when a part of the bowel slides into another part of the bowel): swollen belly, vomiting, blood or mucus in stool, drawing the knees up towards the chest

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Diarrhea

earache

fever

headache

irritability

muscle aches

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Less common

Cough

difficulty with breathing

noisy breathing

shortness of breath

tightness in the chest

wheezing

Rare

Black, tarry stools

seizures

Incidence not known

Nausea

pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Irritability

Incidence not known

Hives or welts

itching

redness of the skin

skin rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Rotavirus vaccine

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Pros

Comes as a liquid that's taken by mouth, not an injection

Rotarix is only a 2-dose series

Can be given at the same time with other vaccines

Babies can continue to drink breast milk or formula before and after the vaccine

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Cons

Needs to be given by a healthcare professional

Only used in children 6 weeks to 8 months old

Rotarix contains latex, which can be a problem for children with a latex allergy

RotaTeq is a 3-dose series

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Rotavirus vaccine

pharmacist

  • While rotavirus vaccine lowers your child's risk for severe rotavirus disease, it won't completely prevent your child from getting infected. For the best protection, your child should receive all rotavirus vaccine doses. Additionally, you and any close contacts should maintain good handwashing and cleanliness, especially after diaper changes and touching surfaces.

    • Make sure to mark your child's appointments to receive rotavirus vaccine on a calendar so they don't miss any doses. It's not known how well rotavirus vaccine works to protect your child from rotavirus if not all the doses of the series are given on time. If an appointment was missed, call your child's provider right away.

      • Wait until your child is healthy to get rotavirus vaccine. This will help make sure their immune system protects them as best as it can. If your child has a mild sickness, such as a cold, your child might still be able to get rotavirus vaccine. But if your child feels moderately or severely sick, wait until they recover before getting this vaccine. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether or not your child can get this vaccine.

        • Make sure to keep a record of all your child's immunizations and show it to your child's provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including rotavirus vaccine, to make sure they're receiving all vaccines on time.

          • Let your child's provider know if you're not sure which rotavirus vaccine your child has received in the past. Your child might need to restart the vaccine and get 3 doses total to make sure they're fully protected from rotavirus.

            • The tip caps of Rotarix contains latex. Tell your child's provider if your child has an allergy to latex.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Rotavirus vaccine

              What are the differences between RotaTeq and Rotarix?
              Both are live vaccines taken by mouth and work well to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis. The main difference is RotaTeq is a 3-dose series for children ages 6 weeks to 8 months old, whereas Rotarix is a 2-dose series for children ages 6 weeks to 6 months old. Additionally, the RotaTeq plastic dosing tube and cap don't contain latex whereas Rotarix contains latex in the tip caps.
              Why is it important to get rotavirus vaccine?
              Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a potentially life-threatening infection. It's most common in infants and young children, but older children and adults can still get sick from rotavirus. Unvaccinated children are at high risk for severe infection. Your child can get sick if the virus gets in their mouth. This can happen if they don't wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom, touch surfaces that have rotavirus on them, or by eating food that is dirty with rotavirus in it. Symptoms of infection last for 3 to 8 days and can include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. This can lead to loss of appetite and dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially in children. There isn't any specific medication to treat rotavirus, just fluids to prevent dehydration. You might need to take your child to the hospital if they're very sick.
              Where can I find rotavirus vaccine?
              Rotavirus vaccine is given as a liquid by mouth, but it's not a vaccination you can pick up at the pharmacy and give to your child at home. Rotavirus vaccine is typically given at your child's provider's office.
              Can my child still get rotavirus vaccine if they've already been sick with rotavirus?
              If your child gets infected with rotavirus before they started or completed the rotavirus vaccine series, they're still recommended to start or complete the rotavirus vaccine series that's appropriate for their age. This is because your child's body might not have built up a strong enough defense against future rotavirus infections from that first infections, so the vaccine can still be beneficial. If your child already had the rotavirus, talk with your child's provider about their options.
              Can rotavirus vaccine be used in adults?
              No, it's not known if rotavirus vaccine is safe or works well in adults. Rotarix is only for children ages 6 weeks to 6 months old and RotaTeq is only for children ages 6 weeks to 8 months old. Fortunately, adults who get rotavirus tend to have milder symptoms compared to children.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Rotavirus vaccine?

              Rotavirus vaccine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Not recommended for people with weakened immune systems

              • Risk factors: Weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications

                Rotavirus vaccine hasn't been studied in people with weakened immune systems. Live-attenuated vaccines, like rotavirus vaccine, generally aren't recommended for most people with weakened immune systems. This is because they're at higher risk of serious infection from the weakened virus in the vaccines. It's also possible that they won't build up a strong enough protection against infections through the vaccines. People with weakened immune systems include those with certain medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and cancer) and those taking medications that can weaken the immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids and transplant medications). If your child has a weakened immune system, ask your child's provider or pharmacist if rotavirus vaccine is right for them.

                risk-warning

                Stomach or intestine conditions

                • Risk factors: History of stomach or intestine problems (e.g., active stomach sickness, long-term diarrhea, failure to thrive, surgery in stomach or intestine)

                  Make sure your child's provider knows all about your child's medical history before giving them rotavirus vaccine. It's not known if rotavirus vaccine is safe or works well in children with stomach or intestine problems, so please ask your child's provider about the risks and benefits of using this medication. If your child is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, they might be recommended to wait until their symptoms go away before they can take this vaccine.

                  risk-warning

                  Risk of spreading rotavirus to others

                  • Risk factors: Not washing hands after changing diapers | Not washing hands before preparing food | Living with people who have a poor immune system | Living in close contact with other people

                    After taking rotavirus vaccine, your child might continue to pass a weakened version of rotavirus in their stool for up to 2 weeks or longer. While this weakened virus is unlikely to make people sick, there's still a chance that some people can get sick, especially if they have a poor immune system. That's why it's important to wash your hands very well with soap and water after you change your child's diapers and before you prepare food.

                    risk-warning

                    Intussusception

                    Very rarely, children who've taken rotavirus vaccine experienced intussusception, typically within a week after their first or second dose. This is a life-threatening condition where a part of the intestines slides into the next part, sort of like a telescope. Intussusception can be treated if medical attention is given right away. If you notice that your child has a swollen belly, vomiting, blood or mucus in stool, or if your child is drawing their knees up towards the chest, call 911 or go to a hospital and let the medical staff know your child has recently received rotavirus vaccine.

                    dosage

                    Rotavirus vaccine dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 ampule of 2ml of Rotavirus vaccine is $104.11 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                    ampule
                    Ampule
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    2ml1 ampule$104.11$104.11

                    Typical dosing for Rotavirus vaccine

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Rotavirus vaccine and other drugs

                    Rotavirus vaccine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Rotavirus vaccine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                    Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to use this vaccine or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                    Rotavirus vaccine contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Rotavirus vaccine will not be safe for you to take.

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