Rotarix ® ( rotavirus vaccine) is a childhood vaccine approved to prevent rotavirus. It is given by mouth as a series of two separate doses during early infancy. Rotavirus is a common but potentially serious childhood infection that causes severe diarrhea, sometimes resulting in hospitalization (or even death, in rare cases).
(Click Rotarix Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Rotarix Vs. RotaTeq and RotaShield
Rotarix and RotaTeq® are the two currently available rotavirus vaccines. Key differences between the two include:
- Rotarix is given as two doses, while RotaTeq requires three doses.
- The Rotarix two-dose series can be completed before the RotaTeq three-dose series.
- Although both vaccines are given by mouth, RotaTeq comes in ready-to-use tubes, while Rotarix requires a little preparation by the healthcare provider (to mix it).
- RotaTeq was approved before Rotarix, so most healthcare providers have more experience with RotaTeq.
- Children with latex allergies should not take Rotarix; this is not a problem with RotaTeq.
- Rotarix protects against the G1, G3, G4, and G9 types of rotavirus, while RotaTeq protects against the G1, G2, G3, and G4 types. As expected, the manufacturers of both vaccines argue that their particular vaccine provides better protection, due to these differences in protection against the various types of rotavirus.
Rotarix is also different from RotaShield ®, a previously available rotavirus vaccine that was withdrawn from the market due to the risk of intussusception, a serious side effect. Rotarix (as well as RotaTeq) does not appear to increase the risk of intussusception.
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to thimerosal can be confident that this vaccine contains no thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative), not even in trace amounts. Some parents are concerned about aluminum content of vaccines; this vaccine contains no aluminum.
This vaccine is not made from human fetal components, as some vaccines are. It is, however, grown on a line of monkey kidney cells.
Rotarix is made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.
This vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine. This means that it contains the living virus which has been altered in such a way as to prevent it from actually causing disease. However, the body's immune system still responds to it, providing future protection from the disease.
In general, live vaccines provide better protection from infections (compared to other types of vaccines) but can, in rare cases, actually cause the disease, particularly in people who have very weakened immune systems.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations include the following:
- This vaccine is given as two doses, given at least four weeks apart. This simple dosing schedule is flexible enough to coincide nicely with standard well-baby visits.
- The second dose should be given before the child turns six months old.
- 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 dose may be recommended.
- 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 the child is moderately or severely ill.
Rotarix Dosing Information
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this vaccine.
As with any vaccine, Rotarix may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience side effects. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects (if any).
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Fussiness
- Irritability
- Fever
- Loss of appetite.
(Click Rotarix Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Rotarix
What Should I Tell My Child's Healthcare Provider?
You should talk to a healthcare provider before your child receives this vaccine if your child is moderately to severely ill or has:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A blood disorder
- A gastrointestinal (digestive) problem or condition
- An immune-suppressing condition such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- Had any sort of a reaction to any vaccine in the past
- Any relatives or other close contact with a weakened immune system
- Any allergies, including allergies to latex, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about all the medicines your child is taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Rotarix should be stored in the refrigerator. The diluent (the liquid used to mix the vaccine) can be stored at room temperature.
Once the vaccine is mixed, it can be stored at room temperature or under refrigeration but must be used within 24 hours. The vaccine should never be frozen. Remember that Rotarix contains a live virus that could easily be destroyed by improper storage.
Rotarix comes in vials that contain the freeze-dried vaccine. The freeze-dried vaccine must be mixed with the diluent (the liquid portion in a prefilled oral applicator) before use. Mixing the two components properly results in a 1 mL dose.
Is There a Generic Version of Rotarix?
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