VaccinationsRotavirus vaccine

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An oral vaccine against rotavirus infection, a common cause of diarrhoea and sickness, is given as two doses for babies aged 8 and 12 weeks, alongside their other routine childhood vaccinations.

The vaccine is given as a liquid straight into the baby's mouth for them to swallow.

What is rotavirus?


Most children recover at home within a few days, but nearly 1 in 5 will need to see their doctor, and 1 in 10 of these end up in hospital as a result of complications such as extreme dehydration.



Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for Rotarix.

Which babies can have the rotavirus vaccination?

Rotavirus vaccination is available routinely on the NHS as part of the childhood vaccination programme for babies aged 8 weeks and 12 weeks.

Read more about which babies can have the rotavirus vaccination.

How does the rotavirus vaccine work?


How effective is the rotavirus vaccine?



How safe is the rotavirus vaccine?


What are the side effects of the rotavirus vaccine?

The vast majority of babies won't have any problems at all after having their rotavirus vaccination, although some babies who have the vaccine may become restless and irritable, and some may develop mild diarrhoea in the days following vaccination.

It is possible for a baby to get rotavirus infection after being vaccinated – but this is uncommon and the illness is usually milder than it would have been if they hadn't been vaccinated.

Read more about rotavirus vaccine side effects.


Page last reviewed: 13/03/2016
Next review due: 13/03/2019