What to expect from childhood immunisation for rotavirus infection

Rotavirus vaccine helps the immune system respond to rotavirus, an infection that can cause vomiting and watery diarrhoea in babies and young children. It is taken by mouth rather than given as an injection. The vaccination team will check the baby's record and explain the planned dose.

Some babies have temporary irritability, loose stools, vomiting, or a mild temperature afterwards. These effects can overlap with ordinary infant symptoms, so note what changes and when they begin. The vaccine does not treat an illness the baby already has.

Tell the clinician if your baby has been unwell, has a bowel problem, has a weakened immune system, or has had a reaction to an earlier dose. Ask whether feeding should be adjusted around the appointment; follow the team's instructions.

Continue usual breast or formula feeds unless advised otherwise, and watch for wet nappies and signs of dehydration. Wash hands carefully after changing nappies because vaccine virus can be present in stools for a short time. Keep the vaccination record updated.

Seek urgent medical help if your baby has repeated episodes of severe tummy pain, draws the legs up and cries persistently, has repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, unusual sleepiness, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling. Contact a clinician if feeds fall, wet nappies become less frequent, or diarrhoea continues.

Ask when the next oral dose is due, which symptoms suggest dehydration, how to manage vomiting or diarrhoea, and whether household members need extra hand hygiene. Ask what to do if your baby spits out the vaccine.