The rotavirus vaccine helps to protect babies against rotavirus.
Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting in babies and young children.
The number of reported cases of rotavirus has reduced by over 70% since the vaccine was introduced into the UK childhood programme.
The Rotavirus vaccine used in the UK is Rotarix®. Find out more about vaccine ingredients here.
In Wales, babies are routinely offered the vaccine at:
The first dose must be given before 15 weeks of age.
The second dose should be offered four weeks after the first and must be given before 24 weeks of age.
Rotavirus vaccine must not be given to babies after 24 weeks of age.
The vaccine is given as a liquid straight into the baby's mouth for them to swallow.
Most severe rotavirus infections occur during infancy.
The vaccine is given at 8 weeks to protect babies before they get the rotavirus infection naturally. Almost all children have had rotavirus by the time they are five.
Rotarix has strict age restrictions. It must not be given after 24 weeks to prevent complications.
What is rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a virus that infects the gut (tummy), causing severe diarrhoea and vomiting. This causes dehydration (loss of body fluids), which is very dangerous for babies and young children. It can require hospital treatment.
How does rotavirus spread?
Rotavirus spreads easily by hand-to-mouth contact and can be picked up from surfaces with the virus on them. Rotavirus can also be spread through tiny droplets in the air from coughing.
What are the symptoms
Symptoms may include:
The diarrhoea can occur many times per day and vomiting may prevent the child from keeping fluids down.
What are the complications?
The main complication is severe dehydration caused by simultaneous fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhoea.
Severe dehydration can lead to:
What if my baby spits it out or vomits immediately?
If the baby rejects or regurgitates most of the vaccine during the appointment, the nurse can give a replacement dose during the appointment.
If the baby vomits after leaving the clinic, do not give another dose. The immune system usually captures the necessary vaccine exposure quickly.
What are the common side effects?
Babies who have the vaccine can sometimes become restless and irritable, and some may develop mild diarrhoea.
Very rarely (between 1 and 6 of every 100,000 babies vaccinated), the rotavirus vaccine can affect a baby's intestine (bowel), and they may develop a rare gut disorder called intussusception. This causes a blockage in the intestine.
The symptoms of intussusception are:
If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.
Other reactions are rare. For more information on common and rare side effects go to NHS 111 Wales or Rotarix.
If you are concerned about symptoms call NHS 111 Wales. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online at Yellow Card or by calling the Yellow Card scheme hotline on 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
What is shedding?
Rotarix contains a live weakened virus. The vaccine virus multiplies in the baby’s intestine to stimulate immunity.
After vaccination, the weakened virus can be passed in the baby’s stool.
This shedding can occur for up to approximately two weeks after vaccination.
Anyone changing nappies should:
Why are two doses needed?
Babies need more than one dose to build strong, long-lasting protection.
Each dose helps the immune system strengthen its response to the diseases covered by the vaccine.
The first dose starts teaching the immune system how to recognise these diseases.
The second dose helps build stronger protection.
Having all recommended doses helps provide the best possible protection against Rotavirus"
What happens at the appointment?
The practice nurse or GP will explain about the vaccinations and answer your questions. With babies, the vaccine is given by injection in the thigh. In children over the age of 12 months, injections are usually given in the upper arm.
Write down any questions you have and ask the health professional at the vaccination appointment.