RotaTeq

Product Overview

About RotaTeq

RotaTeq is a vaccine that is taken by mouth. It is available as a solution in a single-dose tube. It contains five live rotavirus strains, each carrying a different antigen (G1, G2, G3, G4 and P1[8]).

What it is used for

RotaTeq is used in babies from 6 to 32 weeks of age to protect against gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) caused by rotavirus infections. RotaTeq is given according to official recommendations. The vaccine can only be obtained with a prescription.

How it is used

RotaTeq is given as three doses, with at least four weeks between each dose. The contents of the tube of RotaTeq are given directly into the baby’s mouth. The first dose is given when the baby is between 6 and 12 weeks of age. It is recommended that the last dose be given to the child by the age of 20 to 22 weeks. If necessary it may be given up to the age of 32 weeks. RotaTeq can be given at the same time as other vaccinations (except the oral polio vaccine, when a two-week interval is needed between the two vaccines). RotaTeq can be given to premature babies, as long as the pregnancy lasted at least 25 weeks. The first dose should be given six weeks after birth at the earliest.

How it works

There are various types of rotaviruses that cause gastroenteritis. They vary in that they may carry different antigens. An antigen is a specific structure that the body can recognise as ‘foreign’ and against which the body can make an antibody, a special protein that can neutralise or destroy the antigen. RotaTeq contains viruses that carry the antigens for some of the most commonly occurring types of rotaviruses. When a baby is given the vaccine, the immune system (the system that fights diseases) makes antibodies against these antigens, which help prevent infections caused by rotaviruses that occur naturally and carry the same or very similar antigens.

Active substance: Not specified.

Source: EMA EPAR