What Is a Rotavirus Vaccine?

A rotavirus is an oral vaccine against the rotavirus infection, which causes diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache in babies aged between 8-12 weeks. The diarrhea can be severe, which leads to dehydration. This vaccine is given to the child through the mouth using a dropper. 

Who should have a rotavirus vaccination?

A rotavirus vaccination should be given to babies who are aged between 8-16 weeks. This vaccination prevents babies from developing conditions that cause diarrhea, such as gastroenteritis.

Who shouldn’t be given a rotavirus vaccination?

Babies who are seriously suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, or fever during the appointment day should not be given a rotavirus vaccination. In this case, you are advised to postpone vaccination until the child recovers. Moreover, babies suffering from long-term conditions, babies with an anaphylactic reaction, and babies who are older than twenty-four weeks of age should not receive a rotavirus vaccine.

The Rotavirus Vaccine: How does it work?

A rotavirus vaccine helps the baby boost his/her immunity to help fight disease in the future. The rotavirus in this vaccine is weakened, shielding your baby from getting rotavirus disease in the future.

How effective is it?

Your child’s immunity needs to be boosted to counter future infections. With the rotavirus vaccine, your child’s immunity is boosted, making his/her body strong enough to counter any future rotavirus infection. Since 2013 (when rotavirus was first introduced), cases of diarrhea in children have reduced by 69 per cent.

Are rotavirus vaccines safe?

According to research and statistics, rotavirus vaccines are safe. For instance, there have been no safety concerns regarding the use of the Rotarix vaccine in countries like Belgium, Finland, Austria, as well as Canada for the last 4-5 years.

Are there any side effects of the rotavirus vaccine?

The majority of babies will not have any problems after a rotavirus vaccination. However, a child can feel restless, irritable, and may develop mild diarrhea.

Can vaccination be administered when my baby is ill?

You can only postpone a rotavirus vaccine if your child is seriously ill and is experiencing high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Is the vaccine made from eggs? Does it have side effects on children with allergies?

The rotavirus doesn’t contain eggs and does not have any effect for babies with allergies. However, do not vaccinate children with a history of allergy to this vaccine and its constituents.

The Rotavirus Vaccine: Does it contain thiomersal?

The rotavirus vaccine doesn’t contain thiomersal. Thiomersal, a mercury-based drug, is commonly utilized as a preservative in many vaccines. However, WHO banned it from being used as a vaccine.

The Rotavirus Vaccination: Why can't it be administered to older children?

The rotavirus is usually given to babies who are below 24 months. This means that older children must have been vaccinated when they were between 1-24 months old. Therefore, you do not have to vaccinate them again for protection against rotavirus infection in the future.

When should I give my child the rotavirus vaccine?

Your child should be given the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine as soon as possible, preferably when he/she is below 3 months of age. Then you can administer the second dosage at the age of 2 months. This should be preceded with the final dosage at the age of 3 months. However, it is important to liaise with your doctor when administering this vaccine to your baby.