Rotavirus Vaccine Risks

Before your child receives the rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix^®, RotaTeq^®), risks associated with the vaccine should be reviewed. Although most children tolerate this vaccine well, side effects are possible. Some of the rare but serious side effects that have been reported with the rotavirus vaccine include:

A high fever
Any unusual behavior changes (aside from the usual fussiness that typically occurs after vaccinations)
A seizure
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

An unexplained rash
Hives
Itching
Swelling of the mouth or throat
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing.

It is also important to know that the rotavirus vaccine has not been adequately studied in children with blood disorders (such as leukemia) or immune-suppressing conditions, or who are taking immune-suppressing medications (see Drug Interactions With the Rotavirus Vaccine). The risks associated with the use of the rotavirus vaccine in these children are not fully known.

(Click Side Effects of the Rotavirus Vaccine and Precautions and Warnings With the Rotavirus Vaccine for more information about the potential risks of the rotavirus vaccine, including other possible side effects and information on who should not get vaccinated.)