Live oral attenuated rotavirus vaccine

Rotavirus vaccine

Brand names: Rotarix

The rotavirus vaccine is a live, oral vaccine given to infants to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It contains attenuated rotavirus that replicates in the gut to stimulate a protective mucosal and systemic immune response against natural infection.

Prescribing in practice

Complete the course within the recommended early-infancy age window, as starting late is not advised owing to the small increased risk of intussusception with older age at vaccination.
It is contraindicated in infants with a history of intussusception or known severe combined immunodeficiency.
As a live oral vaccine, give particular caution around immunocompromised household contacts and follow national schedule guidance.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is required; advise carers to watch for signs of intussusception after vaccination.

Counselling the patient

This vaccine is given as drops into your baby's mouth, not by injection.
Seek urgent medical care if your baby develops severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting or blood in the stools.
If your baby spits out or regurgitates the dose, ask your immunisation team for advice.

Evidence & guidelines

Rotavirus vaccination is part of the routine UK childhood immunisation programme.

Reference: UKHSA Green Book Ch.27b; Confirm identity and dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC) and NICE. Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways