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Vaccine (Drops) for Rotavirus						Español (Spanish)							Print
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Rotovirus
How to pronounce Rotavirus: [ro-ta-vi-rus]  or Listen**Two or more doses of a rotavirus vaccine are recommended** for children by doctors as the best way to protect against rotavirus.
When should my baby get the drops?
Your baby should get either of the two available rotavirus vaccines:
RotaTeq® (RV5) is given in three doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months
Rotarix® (RV1) is given in two doses at ages 2 months, and 4 monthsThere are two brands of rotavirus vaccine: RotaTeq® and Rotarix®. **Both brands of the rotavirus vaccines are given by mouth (drops), not by a shot.**Why should my baby get the rotavirus drops?
Newborn baby in their mother’s arms getting their rotavirus vaccine
Protects your baby from rotavirus, a potentially serious disease.
Protects your baby from developing diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain caused by rotavirus.
Keeps your child from missing school or childcare and you from missing work.The rotavirus vaccine is safe.The rotavirus vaccine is very safe and effective at preventing rotavirus. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.What are the side effects?
Side effects are rare, usually mild, and may include fussiness, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Some studies have shown a small rise in cases of intussusception within a week after the first or second dose of rotavirus vaccine. Intussusception is a type of bowel blockage that is treated in a hospital. Some babies might need surgery. Studies estimate a risk ranging from about 1 intussusception case in every 20,000 infants to 1 intussusception case in every 100,000 infants after vaccination.
**Prepare for your child's vaccine visit** and learn about how you can:
Research vaccines and ready your child before the visit
Comfort your child during the appointment
Care for your child after the shotBefore, During, and After Shots

What is rotavirus?
**Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. It affects mostly babies and young children.** Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to serious dehydration (loss of body fluid). If dehydration is not treated, it can be deadly.
What are the symptoms of rotavirus?
Rotavirus symptoms include:
Fever
Watery diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach painDiarrhea and vomiting can last for three to eight days. Children may stop eating and drinking while they are sick.
Is rotavirus serious?
Rotavirus can be very harmful. **Diarrhea, vomiting, and fever can cause a loss of body fluids**. This leads to dehydration, which can be very dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Some children need an IV (needle in their vein) in the hospital to replace lost fluids.
How does rotavirus spread?
Rotavirus commonly spreads in families, hospitals, and childcare centers.
People who are infected with rotavirus shed the virus in their poop. If you get rotavirus particles in your mouth, you can get sick. This can happen if you
Touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then put your fingers in your mouth
Put your unwashed hands that are contaminated with poop into your mouth
Eat contaminated food**Rotavirus can survive on objects for several days**. It is very difficult to stop its spread just by hand washing or disinfecting surfaces. The best way to protect young children from rotavirus is to get them vaccinated.Follow the vaccine schedule
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend children receive all vaccines according to the recommended vaccine schedule.
Get a list of vaccines that your child may need based on age, health conditions, and other factors.
Learn the reasons you should follow the vaccine schedule.Birth - 6 years schedule
Photos of the DiseaseWARNING: Some of these photos might be unsuitable for children. Viewing discretion is advised.Rotavirus iconLearn More About This Disease
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  March 25, 2021						Source: 	National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
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