Why should I take the vaccine?💡

Rotavirus is a very common and contagious disease for infants and children under 5 years old. The virus very commonly spreads in families and children, especially among children in daycare centers! It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. Getting vaccinated before contracting rotavirus is not 100% guaranteed to prevent the infection, but it is essential because even if you do get infected, the symptoms are likely to be milder.

How to get the vaccine?💉

There are two options of brands you can choose for rotavirus vaccines: RotaTeq® (RV5) and Rotarix® (RV1). And both of them are given by mouth (drops), not by a shot.

RotaTeq® is given in three doses, and Rotarix® is given in two doses. Your doctor will remind you and make a schedule for the vaccine.

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: 

What is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a virus that can affect little ones, especially babies and young children. It can cause tummy troubles like severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, which can give both the baby and mom a hard time. The virus spreads easily through germs, so it's essential to be careful, especially in places where kids like to play together. Washing hands often, and avoiding touching surfaces that many people touch such as slides and swings or toys in public is recommended.

What is the difference between Rotarix® and RotaTeq®?

RotaTeq® and Rotarix® are just brand names of the vaccine. RotaTeq® takes longer to produce antibodies than Rotarix®, but the range of prevention is wider. Rotarix® on the other hand is made of human strains so it reproduces well in the intestines and builds antibodies faster than RotaTeq®. So if your baby is going to be exposed to the public area early, for example, daycare centers, Rotarix® would be a better choice. You can choose which one to get depending on your baby’s situation!