The Live Attenuated Human Rotavirus Vaccine, sold commercially under the name RRV-TV, Rotarix or RotaTeq serves to protect children from gastroenteritis that causes diarrhea and vomiting, caused by Rotavirus infection.
This vaccine serves to prevent Rotavirus infections, since when the child receives the vaccine, his / her immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies against the most common types of Rotavirus. These antibodies will protect the body against future infections, however they are not 100% effective, although they are very useful in reducing the intensity of symptoms, which ends up being of great help because Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea and vomiting.
What is it for
The rotavirus vaccine is administered in order to prevent infection by rotavirus, which is a virus belonging to the Reoviridae family and which causes severe diarrhea mainly in children between 6 months and 2 years.
Prevention of rotavirus infection should be done as directed by the pediatrician, as otherwise the baby's life may be at risk, as in some cases diarrhea is so severe that it can result in severe dehydration within hours. Rotavirus symptoms can last between 8 and 10 days and there may be severe diarrhea, with a strong and acidic odor, which can make the baby's intimate area red and sensitive, in addition to pain in the belly, vomiting and high fever, usually between 39 and 40ºC. Learn to recognize the symptoms of rotavirus infection.
How to take
The rotavirus vaccine is administered orally, in the form of a drop, and can be classified as monovalent, when it contains only one type of attenuated rotavirus, or pentavalent, when it consists of the five types of rotavirus with low activity.
The monovalent vaccine is usually administered in two doses and the pentavalent vaccine in three, being indicated after the 6th week of life:
- 1st dose: The first dose can be taken from the 6th week of life until 3 months and 15 days of age. It is usually recommended that the baby take the first dose at 2 months; 2nd dose: The second dose should be taken at least 30 days apart from the first and it is recommended that it be taken until 7 months and 29 days of age. It is usually indicated that the vaccine is taken at 4 months; 3rd dose: The third dose, which is indicated for the pentavalent vaccine, must be taken at 6 months of age.
The monovalent vaccine is available free of charge in basic health units, while the pentavalent vaccine is only found in private vaccination clinics.
Possible reactions
The reactions of this vaccine are rare and, when they happen, they are not serious, such as an increase in the baby's irritability, low fever and isolated case of vomiting or diarrhea, in addition to loss of appetite, tiredness and excess of gases.
However, there are some rare and serious reactions, such as diarrhea and frequent vomiting, presence of blood in the stool and high fever, in which case it is recommended to go to the pediatrician so that some type of treatment can be started.
Vaccine contraindications
This vaccine is contraindicated for children with an immune system compromised by diseases such as AIDS and for children with allergies to any of the components of the formula.
In addition, if your child has symptoms of fever or infection, diarrhea, vomiting or stomach or bowel problems, you should talk to your doctor before starting the vaccination.
