Your child's vaccinations: Rotavirus Vaccine
Rotavirus is a common virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, particularly in infants and young children. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks.
Schedule
The vaccine is given by mouth, a fluid is recommended at ages 2 and 4 months, and again at 6 months, depending on the brand of vaccine used.
Why the vaccine is recommended
Rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and for some children, hospitalization. Vaccination against rotavirus can help spread in the community, in addition to the individual child's protection.
Potential risks
Side effects can include diarrhea and vomiting, in addition to fever.
If delay or avoid immunization
The vaccine is not recommended if your child:
is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
has severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a genetic disorder
Let the doctor if your child has an allergy to latex, because one of the rotavirus vaccine brands has a latex applicator.
Talk to your doctor about whether to be vaccinated a good idea for your child if he or she:
an abnormality of the digestive or gastrointestinal disease
has a history of intussusception, a type of severe intestinal blockage
has recently received gamma globulin or a blood transfusion
has problems with the immune system of a disease such as cancer, is taking prednisone, steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs, or chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Your doctor may find that the benefits of your child's vaccination outweigh the potential risks.
Caring for your child after immunization
Depending on the age of your children, fever can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the correct dose.
If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you give your child small, frequent amounts of fluid and watch for signs of dehydration, such as less urine (pee) than usual.
When to call the doctor
Call if you are not sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided.
Call if there are problems after the immunization.
Rarely some children are always developing intussusception within one week of the first dose of the vaccine. So after the first dose to see any signs of intussusception, which may periods of intense abdominal pain with uncontrollable weeping include, vomiting, blood or mucus in the feces, and seemingly weak, sleepy or fussy.