The rotavirus vaccine is a vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children.[6] The vaccines prevent 15–34% of severe diarrhea in the developing world and 37–96% of the risk of death among young children due to severe diarrhea.[6] Immunizing babies decreases rates of disease among older people and those who have not been immunized.[7]
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that rotavirus vaccine be included in national routine vaccinations programs, especially in areas where the disease is common.[6] This should be done along with promoting breastfeeding, handwashing, clean water, and good sanitation.[6] It is given by mouth and requires two or three doses.[6] The vaccines are safe.[6] This includes their use in people with HIV/AIDS.[6] The vaccines are made from weakened rotavirus.[6]
^ abcdefghi"Rotavirus vaccines. WHO position paper – January 2013". Relevé Épidémiologique Hebdomadaire. 88 (5): 49–64. February 2013. hdl:10665/242024. PMID23424730.
^"Rotavirus Vaccine Live Oral". The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
^World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/371090. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.