Rotavirus – immunisation
Rotavirus – immunisation
About rotavirus
Rotavirus
causes a serious infectious form of
gastroenteritis
. The illness usually begins suddenly with vomiting, followed by
diarrhoea
.
Some people show no symptoms, but very young children are more likely to develop serious symptoms ranging from mild diarrhoea to life-threatening dehydrating diarrhoea that requires hospitalisation and can lead to death.
A national rotavirus vaccination program which began in 2007 has significantly reduced hospital presentations for gastroenteritis. Those who do go into hospital are usually less severely affected.
You can reduce the risk of rotavirus infection for your baby with immunisation. All children should receive the vaccine. If they are not immunised, they could contract rotavirus if their food, water or hands are contaminated with the faeces (poo) of an infected person.
Serious side effects or
allergic reactions
to the vaccine are rare. If you are concerned about your child’s reaction to any vaccine, see your doctor immediately.
Immunisation against rotavirus
Protection against rotavirus is available free of charge under the
National Immunisation Program
Schedule
External Link
.
In Victoria, immunisation against rotavirus is free for babies, and it is given by mouth in 2 doses at 2 and 4 months of age. The first dose must be given by the time babies are 14 weeks and 6 days of age and the second dose must be given by 24 weeks and 6 days. There must be a minimum interval of 4 weeks between the first and second dose.
The vaccine does not protect against other types of diarrhoea, but it reduces the risk of life-threatening diarrhoea caused by rotavirus.
Pre-immunisation checklist
Before receiving the vaccine, tell your doctor or nurse if your child:
is older than the recommended age ranges for either dose
is unwell (temperature over 38.5 °C)
has had a serious reaction to any vaccine
has had a severe
allergy
to anything
has a history of a chronic gastrointestinal disease
has had intussusception or a congenital abnormality that may lead to intussusception
is taking steroid medication
has received a
blood transfusion
or blood products
has lowered immunity due to
immune system
deficiency, abnormal blood conditions or disorders,
cancer
,
HIV
or certain medications
lives in a household with someone who has lowered immunity.
Side effects of rotavirus vaccine
The vaccine against rotavirus is generally effective and safe, although all medication can have unwanted side effects.
Rare side effects of the rotavirus vaccine
There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction called
anaphylaxis
to any vaccine. This is why you are advised to stay at the clinic or medical surgery for at least 15 minutes following immunisation in case further treatment is required.
Intussusception (a blockage caused by one portion of the bowel sliding into the next piece of bowel like the pieces of a telescope) can occur (on rare occasions) in babies, mainly in the first one to 7 days following the first or second dose of rotavirus vaccine. Signs that a baby may have intussusception include:
bouts of crying
pale appearance
pulling the legs up to the stomach
vomiting
passing blood in their stools (poo).
Recent studies suggest that there is a slight increase in the risk of intussusception among babies in the first one to 7 days following the first or second dose of rotavirus vaccine. The risk is approximately 6 extra cases of intussusception for every 100,000 infants vaccinated or 14 additional babies a year getting intussusception in Australia.
Concerns about immunisation side effects
If any side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried about yourself or your child’s condition after a vaccination, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital.
Immunisation side effects may be reported to
SAEFVIC
External Link
, the Victorian vaccine safety and central reporting service.
In other states or territories, you can discuss with your immunisation provider how to report adverse events.
It is important to seek medical advice if you (or your child) are unwell, as this may be due to other illness rather than due to the vaccination.
Immunisation and HALO
The immunisations you may need are decided by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation. Together, these factors are referred to as HALO.
Talk to your doctor or immunisation provider if you think you or someone in your care has health, age, lifestyle or occupation factors that could mean immunisation is necessary. You can check your immunisation HALO using the Immunisation for Life infographic.
Immunisation for Life infographic (PDF)
376.29 KB
Where to get help
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Your
GP (doctor)
Emergency department of your nearest hospital
Your local council immunisation service
Maternal and Child Health Line
Tel.
13 22 29
(24 hours, 7 days)
NURSE-ON-CALL
. Tel.
1300 60 60 24
– for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Immunisation Unit, Department of
Health
External Link
, Victorian Government Email:
immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
National Immunisation Information
Line
External Link
Tel.
1800 671 811
Pharmacist
SAEFVIC
External Link
Tel.
1300 882 924
(select option 1)