Children's Vaccines Health Center

Rotavirus (RV) Vaccine

Are There Some Children Who Shouldn't Have the Rotavirus Vaccine?

Any child who has had a severe allergic reaction to an earlier dose of the rotavirus vaccine should not be given any more doses of the vaccine. If your baby has a moderate or severe illness at the time the vaccination is scheduled, wait until the baby has recovered before being vaccinated. Also, the CDC recommends that you check with your doctor if your baby's immune system has been weakened. Things that could compromise the immune system include:

• Exposure to HIV/AIDS or any other disease that involves the immune system
• Treatment with long-term steroids
• Cancer or cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs

What Are the Side Effects of the Rotavirus Vaccine?

With any vaccine there is chance of a serious allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Paleness
• Fast heart beat

However, with the rotavirus vaccine, the risk of a serious reaction is extremely small.

Most children who get the vaccine have no problem at all. However, there is a slight chance your child may have temporary, mild effects following the vaccine including: 

• Increased irritability
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting