Rotavirus Immunisation

Rotavirus Immunisation

Immunisation protects against rotavirus - a common tummy bug that children catch easily. Rotavirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea (runny, watery poo/tūtae).

Key points to remember about rotavirus immunisation

  • babies have the rotavirus vaccine as part of their free 6 week and 3 month immunisations
  • rotavirus is a common tummy bug that children catch easily
  • rotavirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea (runny, watery poo/tūtae) which can lead to dehydration 
  • immunisation protects against rotavirus - it prevents over 80 percent cases of severe rotavirus diarrhoea
  • if you miss these dates, you can catch up, but your baby needs the first vaccine before 15 weeks of age - this is so your baby has both doses before they are 25 weeks of age
  • your baby can't have the rotavirus vaccine after 25 weeks because the risk of serious reactions increases after this age
  • your baby will have the rotavirus vaccine by mouth (orally) - it's squirted into your baby's mouth 
  • it's important to wash and dry hands carefully after changing nappies and before touching food to stop the spread of the virus
  • there is a small risk of intussusception from receiving rotavirus immunisation, usually in the first week after immunisation
  • the overall benefits of immunisation far outweigh the very small risk of intussusception

Immunisation against rotavirus - protect your child

IThumbnail image of cover of pamphlet about rotavirusnformation about rotavirus disease for parents of babies and young children. It tells you what to do and how to stop the disease spreading if your child has rotavirus. It also explains how immunisation can protect your baby from rotavirus. Immunisation is FREE.

Rotavirus - information from the Ministry of Health

90 percent of New Zealand children will develop rotavirus gastroenteritis by the age of 3 years. Information about symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Rotavirus - more information from the Immunisation Advisory Centre

Information including a brief history, the New Zealand situation, symptoms, how you catch it, the risks, who is most at risk, treating the symptoms and preventing the disease from spreading.

Information on rotavirus vaccination (Rotarix)

Information for consumers about the vaccine (Rotarix) from the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority.

This page last reviewed 28 May 2018.
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