rotavirus vaccine

General Description

There is a rotavirus vaccine included in the RecommendedChildhood Immunization Schedule. This vaccine is used toprovide immunity against rotavirus, the most common causeof severe diarrhea in children in the United States. All childrenhave at least one rotavirus infection in the first 5 yearsof life, and there are about 20 deaths per year in this country.Children between the ages of 3 and 24 months of agehave the highest rates of severe disease and hospitalization.The rotavirus vaccine is an oral vaccine, given as a series ofthree doses. It is recommended that the vaccine beadministered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The most commonside effect seems to be fever.