As a mother, you must be very afraid of your little one getting sick, especially if they get things like vomiting and diarrhea, right? It's really a difficult time. The main reason why little ones get sick like this is a virus called rotavirus. But fortunately, there is a good way to protect your baby from this terrible virus. That is the rotavirus vaccine. Today, let's talk about this vaccine, what it does, and what you need to know before giving it.
Simply put, what is this Rotavirus Vaccine?
Although it is called a vaccine, it is not injected with a needle like other vaccines. This is a liquid medicine that is given to small babies by mouth. It is like giving them a little honey. In our country, this vaccine is most commonly available under the brand name `(RotaTeq)`.
The main function of this vaccine is to protect your baby from severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration caused by rotavirus.
The important thing is that there is no 100% guarantee that a baby will never get rotavirus after being given this vaccine. However, even if a vaccinated baby does get the virus, it will often be a very mild, mild condition that will resolve and get better. This vaccine almost completely prevents dehydration that is severe enough to require hospitalization.
Simply put, this is like wearing a safety helmet. Wearing a helmet can cause minor abrasions, but it also works to prevent serious, life-threatening head injuries.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving a vaccine
This is a very important part. Before giving your baby this vaccine, you should definitely tell your doctor if your baby has any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or problem | Why is it important to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Weak immune system (of the baby or someone in the household) | This is a vaccine made from a live (weakened) virus. Therefore, this may be a problem for someone with a weakened immune system. If there are people in the household with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, please also mention this. |
| Cancer or cancer treatment | Cancer treatments greatly reduce the body's immunity, so it is not appropriate to give this vaccine at a time like this. |
| If you have had a previous severe intestinal disease (especially intussusception) | Very rarely, this vaccine may cause a risk of intestinal perforation. If you have a history of this, your doctor should be aware of this. |
| If you are currently vomiting or having diarrhea | If the baby is already sick, it is best to postpone the vaccination for a few days. The doctor will decide on this. |
| Fever or other infectious condition | While a mild cold is not a problem, it is advisable to postpone the vaccination if you have a severe fever or infection. |
| If you have had severe allergies to other vaccines, medications, or foods | This information is important to know if the baby is allergic to anything contained in this vaccine. |
What if I miss a dose and how to administer the vaccine?
This vaccine is usually given to babies at the same time as their regular vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. It is given as a liquid into the mouth, so the baby does not feel any pain. It is given by a doctor or a trained nurse.
If you can't get your baby vaccinated on the scheduled day, don't worry. See your family doctor or local family health officer (midwife) as soon as possible for advice on what to do next. Don't skip doses for any reason.
If you think your baby has accidentally taken too much of this medicine, call your doctor immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.Take it and go.
What other medications may interact with this vaccine?
Yes, some medications should not be given together with this vaccine because they may interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine.
| Type of medicine | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid giving vaccines with these | |
| Immune-suppressing medications | Examples: Medicines like (Adalimumab), (Etanercept), (Infliximab) . These are usually given for diseases like arthritis. |
| Anti-cancer drugs (Chemotherapy) | These medications reduce the body's ability to fight disease. |
| You need to inform the doctor about these things. | |
| Steroid-type medications | Examples: Medications like (Prednisone) and (Cortisone) . These can affect the immune system if taken for a long time. |
| Immunoglobulins | These are immune-related treatments. |
This list is not complete. So if your baby is taking any other medication, vitamins, or traditional medicine, it's safest to tell the doctor about all of them.
Side effects that can be expected after vaccination
As with any vaccine, there can be some minor side effects. But most of these are not serious and will subside within a day or two. The important thing is to know what those side effects are and how to recognize a serious condition.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergic reaction Symptoms: Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. | Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. This is an emergency. |
| Bowel Blockage / Intussusception Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain (baby cries non-stop, draws legs to stomach), vomiting, blood in stool, loss of appetite. | Although this is very rare, if you have any of these symptoms , see a doctor immediately. |
| Persistent diarrhea or vomiting | Inform your doctor immediately as dehydration may occur. |
| Common, less serious side effects (tell your doctor if they last more than a few days) | |
| Mild diarrhea or vomiting | Give the baby plenty of fluids (breast milk, formula). If it persists, tell the doctor . |
| Mild fever | Give paracetamol if the doctor has advised it. |
| Irritability | This is normal. Keep the baby calm. |
| Cold, stuffy nose | These usually go away in a few days. |
Another important thing: the importance of hand washing
Because this is a vaccine made from a live (weakened) virus, the weakened virus may be excreted in the baby's stool for several weeks after the vaccine is given. This does not cause any harm to healthy people.
However, if you have someone in your home who has a very weak immune system, such as someone with cancer, someone who has undergone a transplant, or someone who is HIV positive, it is important to protect them. The best thing to do is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap after changing your baby's diaper. This simple habit will protect everyone.
Take-Home Message
- The rotavirus vaccine is not a shot, but a liquid that is given by mouth. It protects children from serious illnesses caused by rotavirus.
- If your baby has a weakened immune system, a history of intestinal problems, or other allergies, be sure to tell the doctor before giving the vaccine.
- If your baby has severe stomach cramps, persistent crying, blood in the stool, or severe allergic symptoms after being vaccinated, take him to the hospital immediately .
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after changing your baby's diaper. This can help protect those in your home who have weakened immune systems.
- Give your baby all doses of the vaccine according to the prescribed schedule. If you miss a dose, consult your doctor immediately.
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