Rotavirus Vaccination For Babies – Is it Safe?

Myths and misinformation about vaccine safety can confuse parents who are trying to make sound decisions about their baby’s health care.

Most of the parents know about the importance of Rotavirus vaccination for babies. But there are always many unanswered questions which instill an element of doubt in the safety of the vaccine. This article strives to eliminate those doubts with answers as a result of an exhaustive research done on the topic. I have quoted the reference below for each of the question posted.

Diarrhea is the leading killer of young children worldwide and Rotavirus is the common cause for severe diarrhea. If left untreated may lead to dehydration and death.
Each year it is estimated that around 453000 children suffer of Rotaviral Diarrhoea.Â

Brace yourself for a lengthy Q & A session on Rotaviral Vaccination.


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Is Rotavirus vaccine safe to give to my child ?

Yes, both the vaccines ( Rotarix and Rota-Teq) have successful record for safety and effectiveness.Â

2. What are the vaccines available in India?

As of now, 2 brands are available Rotarix by GSK and Rota Teq by Merck.

A low cost vaccine Rotavac, developed in India which costs  Rs 54 only will be available by the end of this year. Â

3. Is Rotavirus vaccination mandatory vaccine in Immunization schedule?
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  No, Rotavirus vaccination is not included in our Indian National Immunization Schedule, but WHO recommends all the countries to include rotavirus vaccinations for infants in National Immunization Schedule.Â

4. At what age should be babies vaccinated?

Rotarix – Infants should receive 2 doses of this vaccine,  Â
           2 months and 4 months of age.

  Rotateq – Infants should receive 3 doses of this vaccine,Â
           2, 4 and 6 months of age.

Rotavirus vaccine is given orally.

5. Till what age can the vaccine be given?
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  The first dose of vaccine is most effective if it is givenbefore a baby is 15 weeks of age. A child should receive all the doses before 8 months of age.

 Vaccine should not be initiated for infants aged 15 weeks or older because of insufficient data on safety of dose 1 in older infants.Â

6. How efficient is the Rotavirus vaccine?

Efficacy is around 85% to 98% protective against severe type of disease in the first year.

7. Can babies get rotavirus vaccination when in breastfeeding?

Yes, they can be vaccinated.

8. Who should not be vaccinated?

• Do not give the Rotavirus vaccination to an infant who has a history of severe allergic reaction (eg Anaphylatic reaction) to a previous dose of rotavirus vaccine or to any vaccine component. See reference for the ingredients of the vaccine
• Â The oral applicator of Rotarix contains latex, so it should not be given baby with known allergy to latex, Â Rota-Teq dosing tube is latex free.
•  Babies with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID) and history of Intussusception should not receive the vaccination. Â
• If the baby is ill with diarrhea,vaccination can be postponed.

9. Can Preterm Babies be vaccinated?Â

• Chronological age at least 6 weeks.
• Clinically stable.
• Vaccine should be administered at time of discharge or after discharge from NICU.

Rotaviral vaccination side effects – FAQs

Please click the above link to view the question.

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Download the Current IAP vaccination schedule Here

The information presented here is meant as a guide and does not replace professional medical advice. You should always discuss your baby’s vaccination with your doctor.

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