Rotavirus

About rotavirus

  • Rotavirus is a virus that infects the stomach and intestines. It is a leading cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in children and is a common cause of gastroenteritis (sometimes called the “stomach flu”).
  • It is most common among young children. By age 5, almost all children will have had at least one rotavirus infection.
  • Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 days after infection and can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. Diarrhea may last 4 to 8 days.
  • Severe diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. Without treatment, dehydration can be serious and, in rare cases, life-threatening.
  • Rotavirus spreads easily through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, food, or objects. It is often spread through contact with stool (poop), for example during diaper changes.
  • Adults and older children who are infected again usually have milder symptoms.
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    • The vaccine is very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get a rotavirus infection.
    • The Rota virus vaccine contains live weakened vaccine and is given by mouth and consists of a few drops of sweet tasting liquid.
    • The rotavirus vaccine protects infants against diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus. It does not protect against diarrhea and vomiting caused by other viruses
    • The virus from the vaccine may be found in your baby’s stool for at least 10 days after immunization. Parents and caregivers should wash their hands thoroughly after changing diapers.
    • The Rotavirus vaccine is provided free as part of the routine Yukon Children’s Immunization Schedule.
    • The 1st dose must be given before 5 months of age (20 weeks), and the vaccine series must be completed by 8 months.
    • History of anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of rotavirus vaccine
    • Infants with a history of intussusception.
    • Infants with a suspected or known immunocompromising condition should consult with their health care provider
    • Uncorrected congenital gastrointestinal conditions
    • Most babies do not have any reactions after they get the rotavirus vaccine. 
    • Some infants may develop a fever, irritability, fatigue or digestive upset. These are generally mild and last 1 to 2 days.
    • There is a small increased risk of intussusception of between 1 and 7 cases per 100,000 doses in the 7 days following both the 1st and 2nd doses. There is a very rare risk of bowel blockage (intussusception) after vaccination. See a doctor if your child has intense crying, swollen tummy, frequent vomiting, or blood in their stools.
    • It’s important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any immunization because there is a rare possibility of developing a severe allergic reaction which is treatable at the clinic. This happens to fewer than 1 in 1 million people. If it happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. If you or your child experiences any serious or unexpected reactions, contact your physician and report all severe reactions to one of the nurses at your local Health Centre.
    • Most babies do not have any reactions after they get the rotavirus vaccine. Some may have a fever or experience diarrhea, vomiting, and crankiness after immunization.
    • There is a small increased risk of intussusception of between 1 and 7 cases per 100,000 doses in the 7 days following both the 1st and 2nd doses.
    • Some people may develop a fever, irritability, fatigue or digestive problems. These are generally mild and last 1 to2 days.
    • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given for temperatures 38.5C or higher.
    • See a doctor if your child has intense crying, swollen tummy, frequent vomiting or blood in their stools.
    • It’s important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any immunization because there is a rare possibility of developing a severe allergic reaction which is treatable at the clinic. This happens to fewer than 1 in 1 million people. If it happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. If you or your child experiences any serious or unexpected reactions, contact your physician and report all severe reactions to one of the nurses at your local Health Centre.

Find out how to get immunized