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Overview: Rotavirus vaccine is used to prevent rotavirus. Rotavirus vaccine is thought to work by using a weakened form of rotavirus to help the body build protection against the virus. Common side effects include crying, fussiness, irritability, cough, runny nose, fever, and loss of appetite. Rotavirus vaccine is available as a liquid that is swallowed.

Uses

What is rotavirus vaccine used for?

Rotavirus vaccine is commonly used to prevent rotavirus. Rotavirus is a contagious viral infection that causes severe, watery diarrhea and other symptoms, such as vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. It can also lead to dehydration, which may require hospitalization. In severe cases, rotavirus can be life-threatening and cause death. 

How does rotavirus vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

The way that rotavirus vaccine works is not completely understood. Rotavirus vaccine is thought to work by using a weakened form of rotavirus to help the body build protection against the virus.

How should I store rotavirus vaccine?

Rotavirus vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of rotavirus vaccine?

The most common side effects of rotavirus vaccine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the rotavirus vaccine product received. Tell the health care provider if your baby has any of these side effects that bother them.

  • Crying, fussiness, and irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Infection in the ears, nose, or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms including fever, cough, or runny nose
  • Wheezing (bronchospasm)

There may be other side effects of rotavirus vaccine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think your child is having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of rotavirus vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of rotavirus vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rotavirus vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Intussusception. Rotavirus vaccine can cause intussusception, which is a serious bowel blockage that requires you to go to the hospital and may require surgery. If untreated, it can be life-threatening or cause death. Intussusception can occur anytime after a dose of rotavirus vaccine, even days or weeks later. Call the health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if your baby has any of the following symptoms after a rotavirus vaccine. 

  • Severe vomiting
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Blood in the stools (poop)
  • High fever
  • Severe stomach pain (your baby may pull the knees to the chest while screaming or crying)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use rotavirus vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive rotavirus vaccine.

  • Rotavirus vaccine, live, oral, monovalent
  • Rotavirus vaccine, live, oral, pentavalent
  • PRV
  • ROTA
  • RV1
  • RV5
  • Rotarix
  • RotaTeq
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rotavirus vaccine products they stock. 

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). Rotavirus vaccine should not be given to babies with SCID, a severe, inherited condition that causes immune system problems. 

Intussusception. Rotavirus vaccine should not be given to babies who have had intussusception, which is a serious bowel blockage.

A Defect in the Digestive System. Rotavirus vaccine should not be given to babies with certain digestive system defects, such as Meckel’s diverticulum. 

What should I know about rotavirus vaccine before using it?

Rotavirus vaccine is given on a specific schedule. Follow the health care provider’s recommendations and keep all appointments for vaccination. Rotavirus may be given at the same time as other vaccines. 

After receiving rotavirus vaccine, your baby can eat or feed normally. 

Rotavirus vaccine is a live vaccine and can shed in the stools (poop) for some time after the vaccine is given. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after diaper changes to prevent spreading the vaccine virus. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using rotavirus vaccine?

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if your baby has any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness, including vomiting or diarrhea
  • Received a blood transfusion or blood products
  • Chronic stomach or intestinal problems, a blockage (including intussusception), or stomach surgery
  • Failure to thrive
  • Cancer, a blood disorder, or a weak immune system; get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)
  • Anyone in your household, or anyone else that comes into close contact with your baby, with a weak immune system

Latex Allergy. Some rotavirus vaccine products may contain natural rubber latex. Tell the health care provider if your baby is allergic to latex.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rotavirus vaccine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving rotavirus vaccine, tell the health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your baby is using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually given rotavirus vaccine.

Breastfeeding. People who can breastfeed are not usually given rotavirus vaccine.

Interactions

Does rotavirus vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between rotavirus vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect rotavirus vaccine.

Does rotavirus vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your child is using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if they are taking any medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with rotavirus vaccine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much rotavirus vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much rotavirus vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of rotavirus vaccine?

If you miss an appointment for rotavirus vaccine, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. It is important to follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.