What to Expect After Rotavirus Vaccination

Your baby might be extra fussy or experience mild side effects after each dose of the rotavirus vaccine, but this should go away in a few days. Complications from the vaccine are very rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. It mostly affects babies and children under age 5. Severe cases of rotavirus may require emergency medical treatment for dehydration.

Rotavirus used to be a common illness among children younger than 5 years. Today, vaccination against rotavirus prevents up to 50,000 hospitalizations of babies and young children in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all newborn infants receive several doses of the vaccine starting at 2 months old.

Here’s what you can expect after your child receives the rotavirus vaccine.

The rotavirus vaccine comes with a risk of side effects. In general, though, the risks associated with getting the vaccine are lower than the risks associated with contracting the virus.

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In fact, most babies don’t experience any side effects of rotavirus vaccination at all.

In other cases, side effects are mild and can include a temporary bout of gas, diarrhea, or vomiting the week after vaccination. Some infants might seem fussier than usual in the days following the vaccine.

Some healthcare professionals administer additional vaccines alongside the rotavirus vaccine. If that’s the case, your baby might experience other side effects following vaccination.

Your doctor should explain what to expect regarding the side effects of vaccination and when to seek medical care.

How long do side effects of the rotavirus vaccine last?

Side effects can last up to 7 days following rotavirus vaccination. But most infants recover within several days.

Keep in mind that side effects can occur after each dose of the vaccine. Babies in the United States typically receive two or three doses, depending on the brand of vaccine:

• The RotaTeq (RV5) vaccine requires three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months.
• The Rotarix (RV1) vaccine requires two doses at 2 and 4 months.