Notes for parents during their children's rotavirus vaccination?

Rotavirus vaccination is the most effective way to prevent acute diarrhoea caused by the Rotavirus among children. However, to ensure the vaccine's maximum efficacy and safety, parents and caregivers need to prepare thoroughly and follow important guidelines.

The following tips will help ensure a child receives the vaccine safely:

Before vaccination

• If there are any questions or concerns, parents or caregivers should discuss them with the immunisation medical staff. The staff will provide detailed information about the vaccine and answer any questions.
• Parents and caregivers should provide the medical staff with information about the child’s current health status, medical history, vaccination history (bring the vaccination booklet or card, if any), and any reactions to previous vaccinations, so that the staff can provide appropriate immunisation guidance for the child.
• Parents and caregivers shall not overfeed the child 30 minutes prior to the vaccination to prevent vomiting.

 During vaccination

• Parents or caregivers should hold the child in their arms as directed by the medical staff.

After vaccination

• Observe the child for 30 minutes at the vaccination site and continue monitoring the child at home for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid breastfeeding the child in the first 30 minutes after vaccination.
• Typically, side effects of the Rotavirus vaccine are mild and resolve on their own within 1-2 days.
• Severe reactions after the Rotavirus vaccine are exceedingly rare, but it is important to monitor the child for early detection of any serious reactions following the vaccination.
• If the child shows abnormal symptoms such as high fever (over 39°C), convulsions, rash, cyanosis, laboured breathing, or signs suggesting intussusception (arching of the body, crying in spasms, prolonged vomiting, blood in the stool, bloating), IMMEDIATELY TAKE THE CHILD TO THE NEAREST HEALTH FACILITY for prompt medical attention.

In addition, parents or caregivers should listen to and remember the instructions of medical staff on how to care for the child at home after receiving the vaccine. If there are any questions about the Rotavirus vaccine or the vaccination schedule, ask for clarification and specific advice at the health facility.

Other important notes to parents or caregivers:

DO NOT give the Rotavirus vaccine to children in the following cases (To know more about this, parents or caregivers should communicate and provide complete information to the medical staff about the child’s current health condition, medical history, and vaccination history):

• The child had a hypersensitivity reaction after receiving the first dose of the vaccine or has a hypersensitivity reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine.
• The child has congenital gastrointestinal anomalies.
• The child has a history of intussusception.
• The child has severe immunodeficiency.

POSTPONE the Rotavirus vaccine schedule if the child is having a fever ≥38ºC, is suffering from an acute illness, or is having an infection.

Taking children to receive the Rotavirus vaccine at the right time and in the correct way not only helps protect the child’s health but also reduces the risk of serious complications from acute diarrhoea. Prepare carefully and follow the instructions from medical staff to ensure the child receives full protection from the Rotavirus vaccine.