Rotavirus Vaccination: Information for Healthcare Professionals
CDC recommends that infants get rotavirus vaccine to protect against rotavirus disease. Two rotavirus vaccines are currently licensed for use in infants in the United States.
- RotaTeq® (RV5) has been approved for use since 2006, and is given in three doses at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age.
- Rotarix® (RV1) has been approved for use since 2008, and is given in two doses at 2 months and 4 months of age.
The first dose of either vaccine should be given before a child is 15 weeks of age. Children should receive all doses of rotavirus vaccine before they turn 8 months old.
Both vaccines are given by putting drops in the child’s mouth.
ACIP vaccine recommendations and the contraindications and precautions for rotavirus vaccination
Information about rotavirus vaccine composition, dosage, and administration as well as vaccine effectiveness and duration of protection
General information about vaccine storage and handling, as well as rotavirus-specific storage practices and guidelines
Administering rotavirus with other vaccines, VIS and possible vaccine administration errors
Materials for patients and resources for providers
You Call the Shots is an interactive, web-based immunization training course. It consists of a series of modules that discuss vaccine-preventable diseases and explain the latest recommendations for vaccine use. Each module provides learning opportunities, self-test practice questions, reference and resource materials, and an extensive glossary.
The “Pink Book” contains the most comprehensive information on routinely used vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
Six reference appendices include: vaccine minimum ages and intervals, current and discontinued vaccines, vaccine contents, foreign vaccine terms, and more.