Rotavirus Vaccine

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

CDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age).

Contraindications for rotavirus vaccines are

• A severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of the vaccine or to a vaccine component (including latex, which is in the RV1 applicator)

• Infants with severe combined immunodeficiency

• Infants who have had intussusception

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

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

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