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Rotavirus Vaccine

4 December 2024

The disease

The rotavirus causes vomiting, severe diarrhea, and fluid loss. It can cause dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for infants aged six months to two years.

The vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine reduces this risk by 90%.

The vaccine is administered orally.

The period between the doses should be at least four weeks.

The vaccine has very few side effects, and if they occur, they are mild and resolve on their own. Symptoms may include fever, irritation, diarrhea, and vomiting.

See the immunization schedule

Vaccine Schedule

  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
Full Schedule

The disease

The rotavirus causes vomiting, severe diarrhea, and fluid loss. It can cause dehydration and necessitate hospitalization, and in some cases, even intensive care. Infants aged six months to two years are at the highest risk. Without the vaccine, nearly all children contract the virus by the age of five.

The vaccine

The vaccine (Rotateq) is given in three doses. The first dose can be given from the age of 6 weeks and until the age of 14 weeks and 6 days. The last dose can be given until the age of 8 months. The period between doses should be at least 4 weeks. Therefore, it is important to get the vaccine on schedule (this vaccine can be given together with other vaccines).

Vaccine composition Vaccine administration
Five inactivated rotavirus variants Orally with drops

The influence of the vaccine in Israel: before the vaccine was introduced into routine vaccinations in 2010, about 2,200 infants were hospitalized annually because of the virus. Since the implementation of the vaccination, the number of hospitalizations associated with rotavirus dropped by around 90%. The vaccine does not protect from other viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Possible side effects and how to relieve them

There are almost no side effects. The documented side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.

  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Rare symptoms
  • Fever: you can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain or reduce fever.
  • Irritability.
  • Diarrhea: usually mild and resolves quickly.
  • Vomiting.
  • Rare symptoms: in very rare cases, the first or second vaccination for the rotavirus causes a condition known as intussusception. This is a condition in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine, which may cause an intestinal obstruction. The symptoms of intussusception include stomachache and extreme crying, vomiting or blood in the stool, drawing the knees up toward the chest, weakness, and irritability. If your baby demonstrates one of these symptoms, seek medical attention. Early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent complications and usually lead to a full recovery.

Further information on vaccine side effects

When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination

  • If, within the week after vaccination, your child experiences extreme crying, draws the knees up toward the chest, vomits, or exhibits blood in the stool.
  • If your child appears apathetic.
  • If a fever lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
  • If there are changes in appetite and eating patterns beyond 24-48 hours.
  • If any other phenomenon causes concern.

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