Rotavirus – immunization

Rotavirus causes a serious, infectious form of gastroenteritis. The illness usually begins suddenly with vomiting, followed by diarrhea. Some people have no symptoms, but very young children are more likely to develop serious illness, ranging from mild diarrhea to life-threatening, dehydrating diarrhea that requires hospital care and can, rarely, lead to death.

Rotavirus vaccination, introduced in 2007, has significantly reduced hospital admissions for gastroenteritis. Children who are vaccinated and still go to hospital are usually less severely affected. You can lower your baby’s risk of rotavirus infection through immunization.

How rotavirus spreads#

A child who is not immunized can catch rotavirus if their food, water or hands are contaminated with the feces (poo) of an infected person.

The rotavirus vaccine#

All children should receive the rotavirus vaccine. It is given by mouth in 2 doses, at 2 and 4 months of age.

To be effective and safe, the doses need to be given within set age limits:

• the first dose must be given by the time a baby is 14 weeks and 6 days of age
• the second dose must be given by 24 weeks and 6 days of age
• there must be a minimum interval of 4 weeks between the two doses

The vaccine does not protect against other causes of diarrhea, but it reduces the risk of life-threatening diarrhea caused by rotavirus.

Pre-immunization checklist#

Before your child receives the vaccine, tell your doctor or nurse if your child:

• is older than the recommended age range for either dose
• is unwell, with a temperature over 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• has had a serious reaction to any vaccine
• has had a severe allergy to anything
• has a history of chronic gastrointestinal disease
• has had intussusception, or a congenital abnormality that may lead to intussusception
• is taking steroid medication
• has received a blood transfusion or blood products
• has lowered immunity due to an immune deficiency, abnormal blood conditions or disorders, cancer, HIV or certain medications
• lives in a household with someone who has lowered immunity

Side effects#

The rotavirus vaccine is generally effective and safe, although, like any medication, it can have unwanted side effects. This is why you are advised to stay at the clinic for at least 15 minutes after immunization, in case further treatment is needed. There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Serious reactions to the vaccine are rare.

Intussusception (a blockage caused by one part of the bowel sliding into the next, like the sections of a telescope) can occur, on rare occasions, in babies. It is most likely in the first 1 to 7 days following the first or second dose. Recent studies suggest a slight increase in the risk of intussusception in this period, of approximately 6 extra cases for every 100,000 infants vaccinated.

Signs that a baby may have intussusception include:

• passing blood in their stools (poo)
• bouts of crying
• a pale appearance
• pulling the legs up to the stomach
• vomiting

If a side effect after immunization is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried about your child’s condition after a vaccination, see your doctor or immunization provider as soon as possible, or go directly to a hospital. It is important to seek medical advice if your child is unwell, as this may be due to another illness rather than the vaccination.

If you are concerned about your child’s reaction to any vaccine, see your doctor immediately. You can also discuss with your immunization provider how to report any side effects following immunization.

Deciding which immunizations you need#

The immunizations you may need are determined by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation. Together, these factors are sometimes referred to as HALO. Talk to your doctor or immunization provider if you think you, or someone in your care, has health, age, lifestyle or occupation factors that could mean particular immunizations are recommended.

Key points#

• Rotavirus is a common cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children, and vaccination has greatly reduced hospital admissions.
• The vaccine is given by mouth in 2 doses, with strict age limits for each dose.
• Serious reactions are rare; intussusception is an uncommon risk in the first 1 to 7 days after a dose.
• Tell your doctor or nurse about your child’s health and any past reactions before immunization, and seek advice if your child is unwell afterwards.

Where to get help#