RotaTeq ® ( rotavirus vaccine) is a childhood vaccine approved to prevent rotavirus. It is given by mouth as a series of three separate doses. Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea in infants and young children, sometimes resulting in hospitalization (and even death, in rare cases).
RotaTeq is different from the previously available rotavirus vaccine, RotaShield®, which was withdrawn from the market due to serious side effects.
(Click RotaTeq Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to thimerosal can be confident that this vaccine contains no thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative), not even in trace amounts. Some parents are concerned about aluminum content of vaccines; this vaccine contains no aluminum.
This vaccine is not made from human fetal components, as some vaccines are. It is, however, made from bovine (cow) components.
RotaTeq is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
This vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. This means that it contains the living virus which has been altered in such a way as to prevent it from actually causing disease. However, the body's immune system still responds to it, providing future protection from the disease.
In general, live vaccines provide better protection from infections (compared to other types of vaccines), but can also --rarely -- actually cause the disease (particularly in people who have very weakened immune systems).
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations include the following:
- This vaccine is given as three doses, each given 4 to 10 weeks apart. The dosing schedule usually coincides nicely with standard well-baby visits.
- RotaTeq is given by mouth. Your child's healthcare provider will squeeze a small plastic vial to gently deliver the vaccine to your child's mouth.
- If your child spits out some or all of the vaccine, a replacement dose is not recommended.
- There are no dietary restrictions; your child may eat or drink as usual (including breastfeeding) before and after the vaccine.
- Children can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if the child is moderately or severely ill.
Dosing Information for RotaTeq
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this vaccine.
As with any vaccine, RotaTeq may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience side effects. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects (if any).
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click RotaTeq Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Child's Healthcare Provider?
You should talk to a healthcare provider before your child receives this vaccine if your child is moderately to severely ill or has:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A blood disorder
- A gastrointestinal (digestive) problem or condition
- An immune-suppressing condition such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- Had any sort of a reaction to any vaccine in the past
- Any relatives or other close contact with a weakened immune system
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about all the medicines your child is taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Storage Methods for RotaTeq
RotaTeq should be stored in the refrigerator. It should not be frozen and should be used as soon as possible after removing it from the refrigerator. Remember that the vaccine contains a live virus that could easily be destroyed by improper storage.
What Form Does It Come In?
RotaTeq is available in 2 mL ready-to-use, latex-free tubes.
Is There a Generic Version of RotaTeq?
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