Rotavirus Vaccine

ByMargot L. Savoy, MD, MPH, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed/Revised Apr 2024
View Patient Education

gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus disease.

For more information, see Rotavirus Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vaccine Recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rotavirus Vaccination.

(See also Overview of Immunization.)

Preparations of Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus vaccines are live-virus vaccines. RV5 and RV1 are currently licensed for use in infants in the United States.

Indications for Rotavirus Vaccine

Contraindications and Precautions for Rotavirus Vaccine

Contraindications for rotavirus vaccines are

The main precautions with rotavirus vaccines are

  • Moderate or severe illness, including moderate or severe diarrhea or vomiting (vaccination is postponed until the illness resolves; infants with mild illness can be given the vaccine)

The safety and efficacy of rotavirus vaccines have not be established in infants with the following:

  • HIV/AIDS or any other disease that affects the immune system

  • Treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants

  • Cancer or cancer treatment with radiation or medications

Dose and Administration of Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus vaccines are given orally by putting drops in the infant's mouth. The dosing for the 2 vaccines is slightly different:

  • RV5 is given orally in 3 doses, one dose at age 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months.

  • RV1 is given orally in 2 doses, one dose at age 2 months and 4 months.

  • If any dose in the series is either RV5 or unknown, default to a 3-dose series.

Adverse Effects of Rotavirus Vaccine

Adverse effects are rare. Infants may become irritable or have mild temporary diarrhea or vomiting.

More Information

The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.

  1. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): Rotavirus ACIP Vaccine Recommendations

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rotavirus Vaccination: Information for Health Care Professionals

  3. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): Rotavirus Infection: Recommended vaccinations

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