Hi moms! I have questions about the rotavirus immunization. My daughter has her 4 month check up on Monday and in addition to HiB, PC, DTAP, and Polio, the nurse told me she can get the rotavirus (Merck brand) immunization (oral, not a shot). Apparently, this immunization has been around for a while but is a new one to my pediatrtician's office. Anyway, here's my question: According to Dr. Sears (The Vaccine Book) this immunization should first be administered at 6-12 weeks. He goes on to say that "The manufacturers only studied the vaccine when given within those specific time frames. They don't know how well the vaccine works or what the possible side effects are if the series is started later than 12 weeks of age or completed beyond 32 weeks of age. Until further research is done, this dosing schedule should be adhered to." Of course, Dr. Sears is just one doctor with one opinion, so I am wondering if anyone out there started this series after 12 weeks of age. If so, did your doctor mention anything about the possible side effects or the effectiveness given a late start? I need to decide by Monday if I will give my daughter this or not. I really don't know what to do. I should mention that she is not around other kids and does not go to day care (we have a nanny that comes to our house each day and she does not have kids of her own). I was leaning towards skipping it but then I read a posting from someone whose child had rotavirus and it just seems awful! Any suggestions? As always, thanks for your advice moms!!!
Thanks for all of your advice! I decided to skip the immunization and in fact, my doctor even said it wasn't an option for her anyway since she is older than 12 weeks old. I guess the nurse was mistaken when I had previously spoken with her. My ped said that his office just started offering the rotavirus immunization two weeks ago. Apparently there was an issue with the rotavirus immunization in the mid-90's which could cause the intestine to collapse which then required surgery. (it was taken off the market) So, when the new immunization was approved, he waited a couple of years to start administering it. I can appreciate that but was still a little frustrated that I wasn't at least told about it when my daughter was 12 weeks. Just an FYI, my ped did say that about ever 10 years we have a really bad rotavirus season and this year was one of them, so hopefully it won't get bad again for a long time! Thanks again moms!
You are right. According to the Red Book, this is the rule book for immunizations, Dr. Sears paramaters are exactly correct. If you start the series this late you will not be able to finish it.
My son had this before and he had the shot for it. It was not that bad because he had the shot for it, I have heard other stuff that goes on with this rotavirus if the child does not get the immunization, the best bet is to have them get the shot so nothing severe happens.
HI Jenn,
You have great questions. Maybe you could call around to some other doctors offices and just ask if that office offers it to a 4month old?
I am a parent that went through the rotavirus with my youngest. She had just turned one. We spent a week in the hospital.It WAS horrible. She got so dehydrated her 3rd IV ended up in her head...... The crazy thing about this virus is it is so hard on the little ones and the elderly. everyone in between just gets the "flu" the only way to really confirm having it is done by a stool sample. Good luck in your decision making.
My kids both got theirs at 4 months and there were no adverse reactions and so far no rotovirus. Good luck with your decision and I hope this helps!
I am a nurse in a pediatrician's office. We give the oral rotavirus vaccine and we follow the schedule that you posted about. We start it between 6-12 weeks(usually their 2 month appt) and we don't give it past 32 weeks. We have never started it on any one past the 12 week mark so I can't answer your question about any possible side effects. None of the doctors I work with have ever mentioned that it can be started past 12 weeks. Personally, if there is no documentation showing it is safe to start past the recommended time....I wouldn't give it.
Hey Jenn,
Well, you've already heard from the professionals on this one, but I just wanted to share with you my experience with the rotovirus. My 2 year old son had the rotovirus about 5 months ago. He was hospitalized for a few days, and it wasn't a lot of fun, but we persevered. I read about the post from the mom with the poor baby and the IV in the head. That's terrible. But, when my boy was hospitalized, his doctor said that rotovirus was running rampant, and he was seeing bunches of kids a day with the roto. Not all of them had to come to the hospital. My boy had an IV and the raunchiest case of diarrhea I hope never to encounter again. When he was dehydrated, he was lethargic and miserable. But almost as soon as they got fluids into him, he rallied. I'd do what the professionals tell you to do and skip the vaccine. Then, I'd talk to my doctor about rotovirus and what the symptoms of dehydration are and how to deal with them, so you feel empowered to do something if you see the first signs. Dehydration can be serious, but it can be handled by the doctors if you heed the warning signs early.
Take care, and I wish you and your daughter a rotovirus free childhood.
A.
