Rotateq is a new vaccine from Merck used to prevent severe cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by different serotypes of rotavirus.

Rotateq Vaccine

Rotateq is a vaccine, which can help protect your infant from getting a virus infection that can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. This vaccine is given by mouth at 3 different times, each about one to two months apart. Almost all children become infected with rotavirus by the time they are 5 years old. Rotateq helps to protect against diarrhea and vomiting only if they are caused by the rotavirus. It does not protect against diarrhea and vomiting that are caused by other viruses.
 
Rotateq Information

In research studies, Rotateq prevented 74% of all cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis, 98% of severe cases, and 96% of hospitalizations.

Rotateq is an oral, liquid vaccine, which provides protection against five serotypes of rotavirus, including serotypes G1, G2, G3, G4 and P1. Rotateq should be given to your child at 2-months, 4-months, and 6-months. The first dose of Rotateq should be given between 6 and 12 weeks, with the next two doses be given at 4 to 10 week intervals, and the last dose being given by the time your newborn baby is 32 weeks old.

Rotateq Safety Information

The most common side effects reported were vomiting, diarrhea, fever, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing or coughing, and ear infection. You can ask your physician for a more complete list of side effects. As always, if your child develops abnormal symptoms, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in the stools or changes in bowel movements, you should call your physician immediately.