An oral vaccine against rotavirus infection is given to babies as part of their routine childhood vaccinations. The vaccine is given as 2 doses, 4 weeks apart. Usually the first dose is given at 8 weeks, and the second dose at 12 weeks.
The vaccine is given as a liquid straight into the baby’s mouth for them to swallow.
Find out more about NHS vaccinations and when to have them.
What is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a highly infectious stomach bug that typically affects babies and young children, causing diarrhoea and vomiting, tummy ache and fever.
Most children recover at home within a few days to a week. But sometimes a child may need to see a doctor. Occasionally treatment in hospital is needed for complications, such as extreme dehydration.
Since its introduction into the vaccination programme, the rotavirus vaccine has significantly reduced the number of children who have diarrhoea and vomiting, and severe rotavirus infections.
Which babies can have the rotavirus vaccination?
Rotavirus vaccination is available routinely on the NHS as part of the childhood vaccination programme for babies aged 8 weeks and 12 weeks.
Read more about which babies can have the rotavirus vaccination.
The brand name of the rotavirus vaccine used in the UK is Rotarix.
Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for Rotarix.
To book an your appointment please ask one of our receptionists to book your appointment
Face masks and coverings are to be worn at all times by all GP’s, nurses, visitors and patients.
Face Masks And Face Covering Exceptions
- Exception from face covering badges (for a mobile phone)
- Exception from face covering badges (to print)
- Exception from face covering card (to print)
Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.
How does the Rotavirus vaccine work?
The vaccine contains a weakened strain of rotavirus. This helps your baby to build up immunity, so that the next time they come into contact with rotavirus they will not get the disease.
How effective is the Rotavirus vaccine?
The rotavirus vaccine is very effective and gives good immunity to rotavirus infection. Since the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, it has had a significant impact on the number of cases of rotavirus.
The vaccine is given routinely to children in the US and many other countries around the world in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
What are the side effects of the Rotavirus vaccine?
The vast majority of babies will not have any problems at all after having their rotavirus vaccination. Some babies who have the vaccine may become restless and irritable, and some may develop mild diarrhoea in the days following vaccination.
It is possible for a baby to get rotavirus infection after being vaccinated. But this is uncommon and the illness is usually milder than it would have been if they had not been vaccinated.
Resources
- Rotavirus Vaccine- NHS
- Which babies can have the rotavirus vaccination
- Patient information leaflet (PIL) for Rotarix
- Rotavirus vaccine side effects
- Common questions that parents have about the rotavirus vaccine
All links come from trusted sources, however, if you are unsure about them or any other medical concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice