Rotavirus vaccination is a safe and efficient method of protecting newborns and young children against rotavirus illness. Rotavirus is a highly infectious virus that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in children under five. Infants who are exposed to rotavirus are recommended to get vaccinated immediately.
There are currently two types of vaccinations available for treating rotavirus. They are recommended for newborns as young as two months old, and they can be administered orally. The immunizations are often administered in two or three doses, depending on the vaccination.
Who Should Get a Rotavirus Vaccination?
Rotavirus vaccination should be given to infants to protect them against rotavirus sickness. The two rotavirus vaccines authorized for use in newborns are as follows:
- RotaTeq: This pentavalent rotavirus immunization contains five different rotavirus strains. It is administered orally in three doses at two, four, and six months of age.
- Rotarix is a monovalent rotavirus vaccine that contains just one strain of rotavirus. It is given orally in two doses at two and four months.
What are the Potential Side Effects of the Rotavirus Vaccine?
Rotavirus immunization, like other vaccinations, may cause side effects in some people. The majority of side effects, however, are minimal and resolve entirely on their own. Some of the most common rotavirus vaccination adverse effects are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Annoyance and squeamishness
Dos and Don’ts Before, During and After Vaccination
Dos before, during and after Vaccination
- Ascertain that your youngster is in good health at the time of immunization.
- Follow the recommended immunization regimen. Depending on the type of vaccination, the rotavirus vaccine is often administered in two or three doses.
- Keep track of your child’s immunizations. This will assist you in keeping track of when your child’s next dosage is due.
- If the kid is already having diarrhea or vomiting, do not provide the vaccination.
- If your child has severe diarrhea, vomiting, or a high fever after receiving the vaccination, seek medical treatment immediately. While these symptoms are typically minor and transient, they might sometimes suggest a more severe condition.
- Keep an eye out for indications of diarrhea and dehydration in your child. If you see any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Don’ts before, during and after Vaccination
- Please don’t put the kid at risk of infection by bringing them to busy places such as shopping malls, schools, and childcare facilities.
- Before or after immunization, do not give your kid any over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, without contacting your healthcare professional.
- Do not miss any scheduled immunization doses.
- Don’t skip the immunization because you’re worried about the adverse effects.
