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Rotarix™

Human rotavirus vaccine

This page was reviewed or revised on Friday, January 27, 2012 11:24 AM

What is Rotarix™?

Rotarix is a live, oral vaccine taken to prevent gastroenteritis caused by five (5) different strains of rotavirus.

What is rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a common virus that affects the stomach and intestine causing gastroenteritis or the "stomach flu." Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. Rotavirus spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route, from close person-to-person contact, and by touching an object or surface with the virus, such as a door knob or toy.

What are the symptoms of rotavirus?

Symptoms of rotavirus include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal discomfort. In babies and young children, it can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids).

Who should get the vaccine?

The Rotarix™ vaccine is given to infants in two (2) doses starting at 6 weeks of age. Doses are given 4 weeks apart, and infants should receive their final dose before the age of 24 weeks.

Who should NOT get the vaccine?

Rotarix™ is not for adults. Delay the vaccination for infants with a severe fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Infants who received a blood transfusion or blood products, including immunoglobulin, should delay vaccination for 42 days.

Infants with a history of the following should not receive Rotarix™:
• Infants who had a reaction to a previous rotavirus vaccine.
• Infants with uncorrected congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Infants with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) Disorder.

Does Rotarix™ have side effects?

The most common side effects are fussiness/irritability, fever and loss of appetite. Other side effects may include cough, runny nose, diarrhea and vomiting.

If your child has abdominal pain or bloating, bloody stools, lasting vomiting, or high fever seek medical attention.

The vaccine virus is excreted in the stools for 10 days following vaccination. Those in close contact with children should follow careful hygiene (including hand washing) when changing diapers.

Ways adults can prevent rotavirus infection

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water after using the toilet, diapering and before preparing or eating food.
  
• Do not prepare food for others if you have symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea.
  
• Anyone who is ill with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home from school, day nursery or work and should not return until symptom-free for at least 24 hours. This is important for those who work with food, children, the elderly or in a health care setting.
  
• Immunize infants with a rotavirus vaccine.
  

For more information, call the County of Lambton Community Health Services at 519 383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839, or talk with your health care provider.

Visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca for more information on vaccine preventable diseases.