Rotarix Dosage

The standard recommended dosage of Rotarix is two doses (1 mL each) given by mouth at least four weeks apart. The first dosage is recommended to be given at 6 weeks of age but could be given as late as 20 weeks. The second one should be given no later than 24 weeks of age, as the vaccine has not been studied in older infants.

Rotarix Dosage: An Introduction

There is only one standard dose for Rotarix^® (rotavirus vaccine), although there is some flexibility in the dosing schedule.

In March 2010, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that this vaccine should not be used, at least temporarily, since DNA from porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) has been found in the vaccine. This means that DNA from a virus found in pigs has been found in the vaccine. However, in May 2010, the FDA announced that it is safe to begin using Rotarix again, since PCV1 poses no known health risks to humans.

Rotarix Vaccine Schedule

The standard Rotarix dosage is two doses (each of 1 mL given by mouth) given at least four weeks apart. The first dosing is recommended to be given at 6 weeks of age but could be given as late as 20 weeks. The second dosage should be given no later than 24 weeks of age (since Rotarix has not been studied in older infants).

The Rotarix vaccine schedule is flexible enough to fit nicely with standard well-child visits.

General Information on Dosing With Rotarix

Some considerations for people taking Rotarix include the following:

This is one of the few vaccines that are given by mouth (not as an injection).
If your child spits out some or all of the vaccine, a replacement dosage may be considered.
There are no dietary restrictions; your child may eat or drink as usual (including breastfeeding) before and after the vaccine.
Children can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if your child is moderately or severely ill.
If you are unsure about anything related to your child's dosage of Rotarix, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.