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Rotavirus Vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine currently licensed in the United States, Rotateq, has shown to be quite effective against rotavirus disease. Rotavirus vaccine is an oral (swallowed) vaccine that is not given by injection. Rotavirus vaccine will not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other germs. However, the vaccine will prevent 74 percent of all rotavirus cases, about 98 percent of severe cases, and about 96 percent of hospitalizations due to rotavirus.

Children should get three doses of rotavirus vaccine. They are recommended at the following ages:

• First dose: two months of age. The first dose should be given between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks. The vaccine has not been studied when started among children outside that age range.
• Second dose: four months of age.
• Third dose: six months of age. Children should have all three doses by age 32 weeks.

Rotavirus vaccine may be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines. Children who get the vaccine may be fed normally afterward.

Washington State is currently supplying:

• Merck Vaccine Division, brand name, Rotateq. The vaccine has typical availability.

Immunization Guidelines for the Use of State-Supplied Vaccine (PDF, 82 KB) August 20, 2009
Vaccine Management - Recommendation for Storage and Handling of Vaccines

Vaccine Information Statements:

• Rotavirus
• Multiple Vaccines

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

 

Related Information:

• Vaccine Advisory Committee Recommendation For Use of the Rotavirus Vaccine (PDF, 27 KB)

External Resources:

• National Immunization Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Locate my local health department

 

Last Update: 08/24/2009 11:02 AM