Drug Action
Rotavirus vaccine is a live, oral vaccine that protects young children against gastro-enteritis caused by rotavirus infection.
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Drug reference
Rotavirus vaccine is a live, oral vaccine that protects young children against gastro-enteritis caused by rotavirus infection.
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Vaccines Immunisation against gastro-enteritis caused by rotavirus ▶BY MOUTH ▶Child 6–23 weeks: 1.5 mL for 2 doses separated by an interval of at least 4 weeks, first dose must be given between 6–14 weeks of age; course should be completed before 24 weeks of age (preferably before 16 weeks)
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History of intussusception. predisposition to intussusception. severe combined immunodeficiency disorder CONTRA-INDICATIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION ▶Immunosuppression With the exception of severe combined immunodeficiency disorder (and children born to mothers who received immunosuppressive biological therapy during pregnancy, see Important safety information), rotavirus vaccine is not contra-indicated in immunosuppressed patients—benefit from vaccination is likely to outweigh the risk, if there is any doubt, Public Health England recommends seek specialist advice.
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Diarrhoea (postpone vaccination). immunosuppressed close contacts. vomiting (postpone vaccination) CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION The rotavirus vaccine virus is excreted in the stool and may be transmitted to close contacts; however, vaccination of those with immunosuppressed close contacts may protect the contacts from wild-type rotavirus disease and outweigh any risk from transmission of vaccine virus.
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PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND: UPDATE TO GREEN BOOK (OCTOBER 2017) Public Health England advises that immunisation with live vaccines should be delayed until 6 months of age in children born to mothers who received immunosuppressive biological therapy during pregnancy. In practice, this means that children born to mothers who were on immunosuppressive biological therapy during pregnancy will not be eligible to receive rotavirus vaccine.
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→Appendix 1: live vaccines
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▶Uncommon Abdominal pain. gastrointestinal disorders ▶Frequency not known Apnoea. haematochezia
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Oral suspension ▶Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd) Rotarix vaccine live oral suspension 1.5ml tube | 1 tube P £34.76 DT = £34.76 eiiii F 1379
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The rotavirus vaccine virus is excreted in the stool and may be transmitted to close contacts; carers of a recently vaccinated baby should be advised of the need to wash their hands after changing the baby’s nappies.
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1.5 mL for 2 doses separated by an
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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