Rotavac vaccine: Live oral rotavirus vaccine
Rotavac Vaccine (Live Attenuated, Oral) is a monovalent vaccine containing suspension of live attenuated rotavirus 116E prepared In Vero cells. Rotaviruses are double–stranded RNA virus of the genus Reoviridae Rotaviruses are classified in a dual classification system based on two proteins on the surface of the virus Into G and P types. Based on thiĹź nomenclature, Rotavirus 116E classified as G9P A single human dose of ROTAVAC” is 0.5 mL containing not less than NLT) 10 FFU [Focus Forming Unit] of live rotavirus 116E.
How is Rotavac vaccine available?
Rotavac is available as ready to use liquid form. It looks translucent pink liquid which is slightly cloudy. It comes in plastic bottle which can be easily opened and a cork which can be sqeezed attached to it. It comes in 0.5 pack single dose.
How is Rotavac vaccine stored?
Recommended range to store this vaccine by manufacturer is -20 degree Celsius. It can be stored at 2-8 degree Celsius during its shelf life till the epiry of VVM2. The temperature range should be maintained at all stages of the transport and storage. It should be kept in paper box which comes with the vaccine. The vaccine should be thawed before use. If stored as per instructions provided on leaflet with vaccine the shelf life is 2 years. The expired vaccine should not be used.
How is Rotavac vaccine given?
Rotavac liquid vaccine is given orally after opening the bottle by moving the aluminium seal. The vaccine should be shaken before opening. The dose is 0.5 ml. It should be given in mouth of the baby and the bottle is squeezed to pour the liquid in the baby’s mouth. Baby should be comfortable preferably on parents lap show that baby does not spit the medicine and it drinks majority of the dose. After giving the vaccine the disposables are discarded as per bio medical waste management protocol. If baby spits majority of dose one ore single dose can be given in same sitting.
At what age Rotavac vaccine is given?
Rotavac liquid vaccine is given as three doses. The first dose is given at 6 weeks of age followed by other doses at 10 weeks and 14 weeks. The time duration between 2 Rotasiil liquid doses should be at least 4 weeks. According to WHO the Rotavirus vaccination should be completed before 1 year of age. This vaccine is not indicated for those above 2 years of age as rotavirus diarrhea causes maximum incidences and mortality under 2 years of age.
Can Rotavac vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes this vaccine can be safely given with BCG vaccine, DPT, Hepatitis B, HiB, IPV and pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine is safe and maintains efficacy even if given with oral polio vaccine. There no restriction to feeding including breast feeding after giving this vaccine.
Can baby take breast feed after taking Rotavac vaccine?
Yes, it is ok to give feeding including breast feeding after the Rotavac vaccine. It wont decrease the efficacy of the vaccine neither it will be harmful to the baby.
What are side effects of Rotavac vaccine?
Side effects of Rotavac vaccine are usually milder when compared to the disease caused by the rotavirus. Benefits outweigh the harm that’s why it is used.
- · Fever can be moderate grade and usually subsides by its own. Usually fever can be managed at home with the help of oral medication like paracetamol.
- · Irritability can be seen after the vaccination. Usually this side effect is self limiting and decreases by its own after some hours.
- · Decreased appetite can be observed after the vaccination. This side effect also subsides with its own.
- · Vomiting is known to occur in some patients after the vaccination. It can be managed at home with increasing feeding frequency to maintain hydration status and also some patients may need antiemetic drops like domstal or ondansetron.
- · Diarrhea is known side effect of the vaccine and is usually self limiting. It can be managed at home by increasing the frequency of the feeding.
All these side effects are also associated with DPT-HiB-IPV-Hepatitis B (Infanrix hexa, EasySix, Pentavac, Hexaxim) which is usually given together this vaccine.