The Rotavirus Vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine protects against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea in infants.

Rotavirus is very common. Many babies recover without problems, but some get very sick and need to go to the hospital. Before vaccines were introduced, 2.7 million children got very sick every year in the United States from rotavirus.

The current versions of the rotavirus vaccines were introduced in the mid-2000s.

Recommended Doses for Infants

Infants should get up to three doses of the vaccine, usually at ages 2 months, 4 months and 6 months.

See Rotavirus Vaccine Recommendations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Side Effects

The rotavirus vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

If side effects happen from the rotavirus vaccine, they most often include a low fever, mild vomiting or mild diarrhea.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

• Rotavirus: The Disease and Vaccine (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
• History of Rotavirus (College of Physicians of Philadelphia)
• Rotavirus Vaccine Information Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.