Rotavirus Vaccine

Protects against:

Rotavirus infection, severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and hospitalization in infants and young children

Who should get it:

• All infants starting at 6 weeks of age

Schedule:

2 or 3 doses depending on vaccine brand:

• RotaTeq (RV5): 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months
• Rotarix (RV1): 2 doses at 6-8weeks and 10-24 weeks

Important: First dose must be given before 15 weeks & 6 daysof age; final dose by 8 months of age

Why vaccinate:

• Prevents severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants
• Reduces hospitalizations due to dehydration
• Protects during the most vulnerable age (under 5 years)
• Oral vaccine—easy to administer
• Significantly decreases emergency room visits
• Protects other children through reduced transmission

Administration:

Given as oral drops—no injection needed