Rotavirus vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine protects against rotavirus disease (a virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting). The vaccine can be administered to infants starting at six weeks of age.

The rotavirus vaccine is given by liquid drops into the mouth. It is provided as part of the New Brunswick Routine Immunization Schedule to all infants as a three-dose schedule at two, four and six months of age.

Multiple vaccines can be given at the same time. This means earlier protection against multiple diseases and fewer appointments. Receiving multiple vaccines at the same time is safe and does not compromise the effectiveness of vaccines.

The rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach bug) in children. Most children will be infected by five years of age, and they can get the virus more than once. The vaccine is the best way to protect against this disease. When your child is immunized, they also help protect others.

The vaccine should not be given if your child had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredients of the vaccine or its container or if your child has a history of bowel blockage.

If your child has a weakened immune system or other health issues, speak with your health-care provider about whether your child can receive the vaccine.

Inform your immunization provider if your child has any health problems or allergies.

The rotavirus vaccine is well tolerated. Reactions are generally mild and may include fever and loss of appetite.  Ask a health-care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever and discomfort.

There is a low risk of bowel blockage in babies, particularly during the seven days following the first dose of rotavirus vaccine (between one and seven cases per 100,000 infants immunized). The risk of bowel blockage remains small compared to the benefit of the rotavirus vaccine in preventing disease. Signs of a bowel blockage may include a swollen tummy, frequent vomiting and bloody stools. Babies might pull their legs up to their chest. Your baby could seem weak and irritable and have several bouts of intense crying. If you observe these signs, take your baby to the closest emergency department.

After your child receives the vaccine, the virus may be found in a baby’s stool for at least 10 days after immunization. To prevent the spread of rotavirus to others, it is very important that parents and caregivers wash their hands very well after changing the baby’s diapers.

With any vaccine there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after your child receives the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Seek immediate medical attention if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms.

If your child experiences unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office or Tele-Care (811). 

The rotavirus vaccine is provided through your local Public Health office or primary care provider.

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your account.

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to [email protected].

Immunizations administered prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible in MyHealthNB.  If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines.