• Immunization Program Main
• For Schools and Parents
• Immunizations
• For Health Care Providers
• Vaccines
• Forms and Publications

---

• Department of Health Home
• Community and Family Health Main
• Office of Maternal and Child Health Main

Rotavirus Vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine currently licensed in the US, Rotateq, has shown to be quite effective against rotavirus disease. Rotavirus vaccine is an oral (swallowed) vaccine that is not given by injection. Rotavirus vaccine will not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other germs. However, the vaccine will prevent 74 percent of all rotavirus cases, about 98 percent of severe cases, and about 96 percent of hospitalizations due to rotavirus.

Children should get 3 doses of rotavirus vaccine. They are recommended at these ages:

• First dose: 2 months of age. The first dose should be given between age 6 and 12 weeks. The vaccine has not been studied when started among children outside that age range.
• Second dose: 4 months of age.
• Third dose: 6 months of age. Children should have all 3 doses by age 32 weeks.

Rotavirus vaccine may be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines. Children who get the vaccine may be fed normally afterward.

Washington State is currently supplying:

• Merck Vaccine Division, brand name, Rotateq. The vaccine has typical availability.

Guidelines for the Use of State Supplied Vaccines (PDF 117kb) (04/04/08)
Vaccine Management - Recommendation for Storage and Handling of Vaccines

Vaccine Information Statements:

• Rotavirus
• Multiple Vaccines

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

 

Related Information:

• Vaccine Advisory Committee Recommendation For Use of the Rotavirus Vaccine (PDF 27kb)

External Resources:

• National Immunization Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Locate my local health department

 

Last Update: 06/24/2008 02:50 PM