What parents need to know about the rotavirus vaccine

Getting vaccines on schedule is essential to protect your child's immunity as well as possible. However, with the rotavirus vaccine, some groups need special attention to avoid unwanted complications. Content reviewed by Dr. Nguyen Thanh Duy (Specialist Level I) - Founder of Care For Kids Paediatric Clinic.

When should children receive the rotavirus vaccine?

Rotavirus infection most often affects young children aged 6 – 36 months. At this age, children start to come into more contact with their surroundings and easily pick up germs.

So the golden time to give children the oral rotavirus vaccine starts at 6 weeks of age, helping them build antibodies before the period when they are most likely to be infected.

The earliest age for the first dose is 6 weeks and the latest age for the final dose is 8 months. After this time, most children have already caught rotavirus naturally.

So parents should make sure their child gets the vaccine drops on schedule to protect their immunity in the first months of life.

Groups that need attention when using the vaccine

Getting vaccines on schedule is essential to protect your child's immunity as well as possible. However, with the rotavirus vaccine parents should note the following:

First: cases in which the rotavirus vaccine is contraindicated

• Children who are hypersensitive to any component of the vaccine.
• Children who have a severe reaction after a dose should not take the 2nd or 3rd dose.
• Children with a history of intussusception should not receive this vaccine.
• Do not give the vaccine to children with malformations of the digestive tract.
• It is contraindicated in babies with severe combined immunodeficiency.
• Do not give the vaccine to children who currently have a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea…

Second: cases in which the rotavirus vaccine should be considered carefully

• Children with a malignant disease or immunodeficiency, or who are undergoing treatment.
• This vaccine may increase the risk of intussusception, so children need close monitoring for 7 hours after taking it.
• Seek medical advice before giving this vaccine to premature or low-birth-weight babies.

What to do before and after the rotavirus vaccine?

When giving your child the rotavirus vaccine, note the following:

• Tell the doctor which vaccines (injected or oral) your child has had before, because some vaccines interact with each other and should not be given at the same time.
• Do not let your child eat too much or drink too much milk beforehand, to avoid vomiting when the vaccine drops are given.
• Stay at the vaccination centre for at least 30 minutes to monitor your baby's reaction after the vaccine.
• After the vaccine, watch your child carefully for 2 – 3 days.
• If your child has side effects after the vaccine, such as diarrhoea, vomiting or prolonged abdominal pain…, take them to the nearest medical facility to be checked and treated promptly.
• If your child is taking any medicines for an illness, tell the doctor beforehand to prevent interactions with the vaccine.
• If your child has just received the polio vaccine, parents should not give the rotavirus vaccine at that time, to limit interaction between the 2 vaccines.

If you have any other questions beyond the information shared above, post your question in the sharing section or consult a doctor for the quickest answer!

Reference: Clinical Trial Centre, Pasteur Institute (Vietnam)