RotaTeq
Generic name:rotavirus vaccine, live (oral) [ ROE-ta-vye-ris-VAX-een ]
Drug class:Viral vaccines
What is RotaTeq?
RotaTeq contains up to five strains of rotavirus. It is made from both human and animal sources.
Infection with rotavirus can affect the digestive system of babies and young children, causing severe stomach or intestinal illness.
RotaTeq oral vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in children.
RotaTeq works by exposing your child to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
RotaTeq oral vaccine is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 32 weeks old.
Like any vaccine, the RotaTeq may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
Your child should not receive RotaTeq if he or she has severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID). This vaccine should not be given if the child has a history of an intestinal problem called intussusception.
Before taking this medicine
Your child should not receive RotaTeq if he or she has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a rotavirus oral vaccine, if the child has ever had intussusception (a blockage of the intestines), or if the child has severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID).
If your child has any of these other conditions, RotaTeq may need to be postponed or not given at all:
HIV or AIDS;
a current stomach illness or diarrhea;
a congenital stomach disorder or recent stomach surgery;
cancer, lymphoma, leukemia or other blood disease;
if the child has recently received drugs that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, medicines to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection, chemotherapy or radiation);
if the child has recently received a blood transfusion; or
if the child is allergic to latex rubber.
Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving RotaTeq.
Tell the doctor if anyone living with or caring for the child has cancer or a weak immune system, or is receiving radiation/chemotherapy or using steroids.
How is RotaTeq given?
Your child will receive RotaTeq in a clinic, hospital, or doctor's office. RotaTeq is given as an oral (by mouth) liquid.
RotaTeq is given in a series of 3 doses. Th...
