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Pros & Cons of Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC. Younger children are especially susceptible to this virus, whereas older children and adults tend to develop an immunity to it. As with any other vaccine or drug, there are advantages and disadvantages to the rotavirus vaccine. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks and benefits.

  1. Advantages

    • The rotavirus vaccine can protect your child against a highly contagious virus. According to the CDC, the vaccine can prevent about 98 percent of severe rotavirus cases. Unlike most vaccinations, the rotavirus vaccine can be given orally, so you don't need to worry about how your child will cope with an injection. The virus cannot be controlled adequately through mere sanitation and hygiene, so an immunization may be the most effective method of preventing it, according to the Rotavirus Vaccine Program. Preventing the virus is easier than treating it; antibiotics and other drugs are ineffective against the virus.

    Disadvantages

    • Babies older than eight months should not receive the vaccine. Older babies may suffer reactions to the vaccine, such as a fever, according to the Baby Center. The CDC recommends that your child receive his first dose of vaccine by the time he is two months old. Depending on the brand of vaccine, you'll need to take him back to the doctor for either two or three doses. There are also possible side effects with this vaccine; your baby may become irritable or have temporary, mild vomiting and diarrhea. If your baby appears to be suffering severe side effects, take her to the emergency room. She may be having an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

    Precautions

    • The rotavirus vaccine should not be given to all children. Babies who are ill should not receive the vaccine until they have recovered. A baby who has had an allergic reaction to the first dose of vaccine should not continue with the vaccination schedule. A doctor can advise you of the safety of giving the rotavirus vaccine to a child with a compromised immune system, which could be caused by HIV/AIDS. A child who has been treated with certain drugs, such as steroids, or a child with cancer may not be able to receive the vaccine.

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