Shelling Out Information about Rotavirus!

🐢Great question! Rotavirus is a disease that can make your kids feel extremely sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers. It’s most common in infants and young children.

🐢Before the vaccine was developed, about 2.7 million U.S. children got sick from Rotavirus each year. Although it’s less common now, we still see over 400,000 doctor’s visits for Rotavirus in U.S. kids every year.

🐢 Yes! Even after they look and feel okay, they can still spread the virus for up to 3 days. That’s why it’s important to stay cautious for a little while after symptoms are gone.

🐢Rotavirus spreads through contact with infected objects or people sick with the disease.  If your child touches a contaminated surface and then their mouth, they can get infected.

🐢 Wash your child’s hands often, clean and disinfect their toys, and watch for early signs of illness. Good hygiene is a big step in stopping Rotavirus.

🐢 Yes! In the U.S., we use two oral vaccines: RotaTeq and Rotarix. They prevent about 85–98% of severe cases and hospital visits in babies.

🐢Here’s the CDC-recommended schedule:

• First Dose – 2 months

•  Second dose – 4 months

•  Third dose – 6 months (for RotaTeq only)

Just remember: the first dose should be before 15 weeks old, and all doses should be done by 8 months old.