The introduction of the Rota vaccine has significantly reduced the number of severe diarrhea cases caused by the rotavirus. However, many parents wonder whether to choose the Rota vaccine from the United States or Belgium. Let’s explore the differences and important considerations in the article below.
What is the Rota vaccine and what disease does it prevent?
The Rota vaccine (also known as the rotavirus vaccine) helps protect the body against acute diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection. According to epidemiologists, rotavirus has four main types – A, B, C, and D – with type A being the most common and responsible for the majority of infections.
Rotavirus spreads rapidly through the fecal-oral route, meaning it can be transmitted by contact with the stool, urine, sweat, or saliva of an infected person. Once entering the digestive tract, the virus attaches to the small intestine, destroys intestinal cells, and causes gastroenteritis.
The virus can affect people of all ages but is most dangerous in children under five years old, whose immune and digestive systems are still immature. Rotavirus infection not only causes severe diarrhea but can also lead to vomiting, fever, convulsions, and, in severe cases, dehydration, which may result in malnutrition or even death if not promptly treated.
The disease occurs most frequently between March and September, though cases can appear year-round. Currently, there is no specific medication to eliminate rotavirus completely. Therefore, rotavirus vaccination remains the most effective method to protect children and prevent severe complications of the disease.
Current types of Rota vaccines
In Vietnam, the Rota vaccine is not yet included in the National Expanded Immunization Program. Currently, two types of service vaccines are available: Rotarix and RotaTeq.
Rotarix vaccine
Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Rotarix is a live-attenuated rotavirus vaccine designed to protect children against multiple rotavirus strains, including G1, G2, G3, G4, and G9.
Because it is derived from live-attenuated virus cells, Rotarix adheres well to the intestinal lining, stimulating the immune system to produce protective antibodies against the Rota virus. If a child spits up or vomits shortly after receiving the dose, a repeat dose is not usually required, unless most of the vaccine is expelled — in which case, re-administration should follow the doctor’s instructions.
RotaTeq vaccine
Produced by Merck Sharp & Dohme (Merck & Co., USA), RotaTeq is also a live-attenuated oral vaccine that contains five rotavirus strains: G1, G2, G3, G4, and P1 — the main strains causing disease in young children.
Like Rotarix, RotaTeq is designed to build immunity by exposing the body to weakened virus strains that cannot cause illness. However, it is intended exclusively for infants and young children, and is contraindicated in adults, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
Which Rota vaccine should you choose?
Many parents wonder which Rota vaccine is the best option for their child. According to medical experts, both vaccines—Rotarix (Belgium) and RotaTeq (United States)—offer equivalent effectiveness and safety in preventing rotavirus infection in young children.
However, Rotarix (Belgium) is often preferred by many parents because it can be administered earlier and provides faster immune protection.
The choice between the two vaccines depends on parental preference and the availability of vaccines at the vaccination center. Experts emphasize that regardless of which vaccine is used, the most important factor is completing the full series on schedule, as timely and adequate dosing ensures optimal protection against the disease.
Note: The national expanded immunization program does not yet include the rotavirus vaccine. Parents should choose reputable vaccination centers to register and ensure their child receives safe and effective protection. Register HERE for consultation and vaccination scheduling.
Rota vaccine dosage schedule
The Rota vaccine is administered orally, not by injection like many other vaccines. Each type has its own specific dosage schedule:
- Rotarix vaccine: Requires 2 doses (each 1.5 ml).
- The first dose should be given when the child is 6 weeks old or older.
- The second dose should be administered at least one month after the first.
- For the best protection, both doses should be completed before the child reaches 6 months of age.
- RotaTeq vaccine: Requires 3 doses (each 2 ml). The American Rota vaccine is intended for infants from 8 weeks to before 32 weeks of age and is not approved for adults. Recommended schedule:
- Dose 1: When the child is 8–12 weeks old
- Dose 2: At least 28 days after the first dose
- Dose 3: At least 1 month after the second dose
- Note: There is currently no evidence supporting the interchangeability of Rota vaccines. Therefore, the same vaccine brand must be used for all doses.
- If the first dose is Rotarix, the second dose must also be Rotarix.
- RotaTeq should not be used for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Important notes when giving your child the Rota vaccine
Are there any side effects from the Rota vaccine?
After taking the Rota vaccine, most children do not experience any adverse reactions or side effects. In some cases, mild symptoms such as fever, vomiting, irritability, or mild diarrhea may occur, but these usually resolve within 1–2 days.
If a child spits up a small amount after taking the vaccine, parents should not worry and do not need to repeat the dose, as the body has already absorbed enough to develop immunity. In rare cases, pregnant or breastfeeding women who accidentally take the Rotarix vaccine may experience mild fatigue or loss of appetite.
Reader may also be interested in:
- Dengue vaccination: 3 doses to protect you from a dangerous disease
- What diseases does the 5-in-1 vaccine prevent and what is the vaccination schedule?
Cases where vaccination should be postponed
The Rota vaccine should not be given to:
- Children who previously had severe reactions after a Rota vaccine dose, such as high fever, prolonged vomiting, or persistent diarrhea.
- Children with a history of intussusception (intestinal obstruction).
Groups requiring caution during screening
- Individuals with chronic diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS.
- Those currently taking steroid-containing medications or other immunosuppressive drugs.
Note:
The information provided by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference only and should not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
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