Who is at highest risk for suffering rotavirus vaccine complications?

According to the CDC, infants most at risk for complications from rotavirus vaccines include: 

• Infants with primary and acquired immunodeficiency states, hypogammaglobulinemic and dysgammaglobulinemic states, and cellular immunodeficiencies
• Infants with lymphomas, leukemia, blood dyscrasias, or other malignant neoplasms which affect the lymphatic system or bone marrow
• Infants receiving immunosuppressive therapies
• Infants who are HIV positive or who have been exposed to HIV
• Infants who are ill with a moderate or severe gastrointestinal illness
• Infants who are ill with a moderate or severe illness, with or without fever

The use of rotavirus vaccines increases an infant’s risk of intussusception. Infants with a previous history of intussusception are at a higher risk of a repeat episode of intussusception. 

Infants with the following medical conditions may be at a greater risk of harm from RotaTeq vaccination: 

• Infants born to HIV infected mothers unless it has been determined that the infant does not have HIV infection
• Infants with weakened immune systems
• Fever greater than 100.5F (38.1C)
• Current gastrointestinal illness
• History of rotavirus infection
• History of gastrointestinal illness and frequent diarrhea
• Failure to thrive
• History of stomach problems since birth
• History of abdominal surgery
• Receipt of blood or blood products within 42 days

Infants with the following medical conditions may be at a greater risk of harm from ROTARIX vaccination: 

• Current gastrointestinal illness
• History of rotavirus infection
• History of gastrointestinal illness and frequent diarrhea
• Latex sensitivity – the tip caps of the prefilled oral applicators of the diluent contain natural rubber latex. Infants with a latex sensitivity or allergy may be at risk of harm if exposed to the oral applicators
• Infants with weakened immune systems

IMPORTANT NOTE: NVIC encourages you to become fully informed about rotavirus and rotavirus vaccines by reading all sections in the Table of Contents, which contain many links and resources such as the manufacturer product information inserts, and to speak with one or more trusted health care professionals before making a vaccination decision for yourself or your child. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

 

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