RotaTeq Versus RotaShield

In 1999, a different version of rotavirus vaccine (called RotaShield^®) was removed from the market after it was found to be associated with a rare type of bowel obstruction called intussusception. Intussusception is a serious and life-threatening event that occurs when a part of the intestine gets blocked or twisted.

 

RotaTeq is a different from the vaccine removed from the market. During clinical studies prior to the approval of RotaTeq, there was no apparent increased risk of intussusception. Since approval there have been a number of cases of intussusception reported in infants who received RotaTeq. Intussusception occurred at various times after vaccination with RotaTeq. Some of these infants required hospitalization and surgery on their intestine or a special enema to treat this problem.

 

Call your child's healthcare provider right away if your child has vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, blood in their stool or change in their bowel movements as these may be signs of intussusception. It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or if your child has any of these symptoms, at any time after vaccination, even if it has been several weeks since the last vaccine dose.