Rotavirus Vaccine Information from Merck





























To Report Side Effects 1-800-FDA-1088

Information on RotaTeq for health care professionals

Your doctor or health care professional can give the first dose of RotaTeq to your baby as early as 6 weeks of age. Your child may get RotaTeq at the same time as other childhood vaccines.
When to Vaccinate
The first dose of RotaTeq is given when your child is 6 to 12 weeks of age, the second dose is given 4 to 10 weeks later, and the third dose is given 4 to 10 weeks after the second dose. The last (third) dose should be given to your child by 32 weeks (8 months) of age. Your child should not get RotaTeq if he or she had an allergic reaction after getting a dose of this vaccine. Your child also should not get the vaccine if he or she is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine.

Rotavirus infects almost every child in the United States by 5 years of age.

»	Learn more about rotavirus

How RotaTeq Is Given

Your doctor or health care professional will gently squeeze the vaccine into your child's mouth. Your infant may spit out some or all of it. If this happens, the dose does not need to be given again during that visit.

Please read Important Safety Information for RotaTeq.

Missing a Dose

All three doses of the vaccine should be given to your child by 32 weeks (8 months) of age. Your doctor or health care professional will tell you when your child should come for the follow-up doses. It is important to keep those appointments. If you forget or are not able to go back to the planned time, ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Is Rotavirus Serious?
Dehydration is the most serious complication associated with rotavirus infection. If your baby has a severe case of rotavirus and becomes very dehydrated, it can be life threatening. Severe cases of rotavirus most commonly occur in children between 6 months and 2 years of age.

Talk to Your Health Care Professional
There's a way to help protect your baby against rotavirus. Ask your doctor or health care professional about RotaTeq today.

	Talking with your child’s health care professional.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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This site is intended only for residents of the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico.
RotaTeq is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
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