Rotavirus vaccine
The rotavirus vaccine is a vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children. The vaccines prevent 15–34% of severe diarrhea in the developing world and 37–96% of the risk of death among young children due to severe diarrhea. Immunizing babies decreases rates of disease among older people and those who have not been immunized.
| Vaccine description | |
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| Target | Rotavirus |
| Vaccine type | Attenuated |
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| Trade names | Rotarix, RotaTeq, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a607024 |
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| Routes of administration | By mouth |
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The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that rotavirus vaccine be included in national routine vaccinations programs, especially in areas where the disease is common. This should be done along with promoting breastfeeding, handwashing, clean water, and good sanitation. It is given by mouth and requires two or three doses. It should be given starting around six weeks of age.
The vaccines are safe. This includes their use in people with HIV/AIDS. The vaccines are made from weakened rotavirus.
The vaccine first became available in the United States in 2006. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. As of 2013, there are two types of vaccine available globally, Rotarix and RotaTeq. Others are used in some countries.