July 2011
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Rotavirus is a common virus that infects the stomach and intestines causing gastroenteritis or the "stomach flu." It is the major cause of serious diarrhea illness in young children in Canada and worldwide. Approximately 1 in 5 cases of all childhood gastroenteritis is caused by rotavirus. Almost all children will be infected at least once before the age of 5 years.
What are the symptoms of rotavirus infection?
Rotavirus begins with a sudden fever and vomiting followed by watery diarrhea, usually 10 to 20 diarrhea episodes a day. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 days after getting the virus and can range from no symptoms at all to severe diarrhea that is more likely in infants, young children and those with weak immune systems. Most children recover within 3 to 8 days. Dehydration (loss of body fluids) is the most common complication, and may require a visit to the emergency department or hospitalization where intravenous (IV) fluids can be given.
Is there a vaccine for rotavirus?
Yes. There are two rotavirus vaccines that are approved for use in Canada. RotaTeq® and Rotarix® both contain the live virus.
Do I have to pay for rotavirus vaccine?
No. Infants between 6 and 24 weeks of age can get Rotarix® as part of their vaccinations for free.
Are the rotavirus vaccines safe?
Yes. Studies done on RotaTeq® and Rotarix® show they are safe for infants. Side effects are not common and include a short period of diarrhea and irritability/fussiness. While most studies have shown no increased risk of intussusception (a rare form of bowel obstruction) a few studies have shown a very small increase in the week after the first dose of Rotarix. Further studies are on-going. Both vaccines are safe for breastfed children. Healthy pre-term infants can be given the vaccine at the same time as normal-term infants.
Are rotavirus vaccines effective?
Yes. In healthy infants, vaccination prevented 74% of all infections and 98% of severe infections. The vaccine reduced the need for hospitalizations due to rotavirus by over 96%.
How are the rotavirus vaccines given?
The vaccines are both given by mouth. RotaTeq® is given in 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Rotarix® is given in 2 doses at 2 and 4 months of age. Either vaccine can be given during the same visit as other immunizations. If the infant spits out some or all of the RotaTeq® vaccine, that dose does not need to be given again. If the infant spits out all or some of Rotarix®, they may be given another dose. Rotavirus vaccines are not interchangeable; give the same vaccine at each dose.
Where can I get a rotavirus vaccine and what other issues should I consider?
A doctor or other health care provider can give this vaccine. Parents should remember to:
- Tell your health care provider about any symptoms that your infant has before getting the vaccine and any side effects your infant has to any vaccine.
- Update your child’s yellow immunization card every time a vaccine is given.
Who should not get a rotavirus vaccine?
Infants who had a serious reaction to a vaccine component or from a previous dose should not get either RotaTeq® or Rotarix® vaccine. Your doctor may discuss the potential risks and benefits of vaccination if your child has:
- A weakened immune system from HIV infection, cancer, blood disorder, or from medications such as steroids that reduce the immune response
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A fever or infection worse than a cold
- A gastrointestinal/digestive tract illness or a history of intussusception
- Received blood products, including immunoglobulin within 42 days.
More about Rotavirus:
How do people get rotavirus infection?
Rotavirus is found in the stool of ill persons and is spread person-to-person through the fecal-oral route. Common ways to get rotavirus infection include:
- Close contact or living in a house with someone, especially a child who has the infection.
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with rotavirus and then placing these objects (e.g. toys) or fingers in the mouth. The virus can survive on hands for at least four hours.
- Food prepared by an infected person or drinking contaminated water.
Who is at risk of getting rotavirus infection?
Rotavirus usually infects children 6 to 24 months of age. A person can get rotavirus infection more than once but each new infection is milder.
When and for how long is a person able to spread rotavirus?
Usually, a person who has rotavirus infection is contagious from the moment they start to feel ill up until 24 hours after the diarrhea stops, though sometimes it can be longer.
How can rotavirus infection be prevented?
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water after using the toilet, diapering and before preparing or eating food.
- Do not prepare food for others if you have symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea.
- Anyone who is ill with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home from school, day nursery or work and should not return until being symptom-free for at least 24 hours. This is especially important for those who work with food, children, the elderly or in a health care setting.
- Immunize infants with a rotavirus vaccine.
Call the Toronto Public Health Immunization Information line at 416-392-1250 or visit our website.
Last updated July 2011
