Rotavirus

Rotavirus vaccines are on the Australian Immunisation Schedule and recommended for all infants under the age of 6 months.

The disease

Before rotavirus vaccines were available, rotavirus infection was the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children. The illness usually begins suddenly with vomiting followed by diarrhoea. Rotavirus infection can result in dehydration and hospitalisation. Infants and children can be infected with rotavirus several times during their lives. Rotavirus vaccination significantly reduces rotavirus-specific and all-cause hospital presentations for gastroenteritis.

The vaccine

All infants <6 months of age are recommended to receive a course of either Rotarix or RotaTeq.

The vaccination course of Rotarix is 2 doses, at 2 and 4 months of age.

The vaccination course of RotaTeq is 3 doses, at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.

(Text adapted from the Australian Immunisation Handbook)

For more information about diphtheria and the vaccine available please see here.

Page reviewed November 2018.
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