Rotavirus Vaccine Dosage: An Introduction
Rotavirus Vaccine Schedule
For Rotarix, the standard dosage is two doses (each of 1 mL given by mouth) given at least four weeks apart. The first dosage is recommended to be given at 6 weeks of age but could be given as late as 20 weeks. The second dose should be given no later than 24 weeks of age (since
rotavirus vaccine was not studied in older infants). The vaccine schedule is flexible enough to fit nicely with standard well-baby visits.
For RotaTeq, the standard schedule is three dosages (each of 2 mL given by mouth) given 4 to 10 weeks apart. The dosing schedule usually coincides nicely with standard well-baby visits. The first dosage is given sometime between 6 and 12 weeks of age, and the third one needs to be completed before 32 weeks of age (since RotaTeq was not studied in older infants).
General Dosage Information
Some considerations for children receiving the rotavirus vaccine include the following:
- This is one of the few vaccines that are given by mouth (not as an injection).
- If your child spits out some or all of the vaccine, a replacement dose may be considered for Rotarix but is not usually recommended for RotaTeq.
- There are no dietary restrictions; your child may eat or drink as usual (including breastfeeding) before and after the vaccine.
- Children can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if the child is moderately or severely ill.
- If you are unsure about anything related to your child's dosage or rotavirus vaccine dosing in general, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
