Main decision tree
Rotavirus: can this dose be given?
At a glance
- RotaTeq (RV5): 3 doses at 2, 4 and 6 months. Rotarix (RV1): 2 doses at 2 and 4 months.
- Dose 1 from 6 weeks and no later than 14 weeks 6 days; do not start at 15 weeks or older.
- No dose after 8 months 0 days, even if the series is not finished.
- At least 4 weeks between doses. If any dose was RotaTeq or the brand is unknown, the series is 3 doses.
- Do not give with SCID, a past intussusception, or a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient.
- If the baby spits out or vomits the dose, do not repeat it; it counts.
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Routine childhood vaccine schedule (AAP 2026) — schedule graph
RotaTeq or Rotarix?
| Vaccine | Doses | Usual ages |
|---|---|---|
| RotaTeq (RV5) | 3 | 2, 4 and 6 months |
| Rotarix (RV1) | 2 | 2 and 4 months |
| Mixed or unknown brand | 3 | Finish with 3 doses in total |
Age limits and catch-up rules
- Minimum age for dose 1 is 6 weeks; maximum age to start is 14 weeks 6 days.
- At least 4 weeks between doses.
- No dose after 8 months 0 days; a series that is not finished by then stops.
- If dose 1 was given at 15 weeks or older by mistake, finish the series on schedule by 8 months 0 days.
- Do not repeat a dose the baby spits out or vomits.
Who should not get it, or should wait
- Do not give: severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a past intussusception, or a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient.
- Wait: moderate or severe illness, including moderate or severe vomiting or diarrhea, until the baby is better.
- Discuss first: other immune problems, such as HIV, cancer treatment or high-dose steroids, and chronic gut disease.
- Not a reason to wait: prematurity, a mild cold, or a pregnant or immunocompromised person at home.
Side effects
- Common: mild fussiness, mild diarrhea or vomiting for a few days.
- Rare: intussusception, estimated at about 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 100,000 babies, mostly within 7 days of dose 1.
- Seek care fast for severe crying spells, drawing the legs up, repeated vomiting, or blood in the stool.
- The vaccine virus can be found in the stool for a few weeks; wash hands after diaper changes.
Common questions
What is the latest age for the first rotavirus vaccine dose?
14 weeks 6 days. A baby who has not had dose 1 by 15 weeks 0 days should not start the series.
What is the latest age for a rotavirus dose?
8 months 0 days. After that no dose is given, even if the series is not finished.
What if my baby spits up the rotavirus vaccine?
Do not repeat the dose. It counts, and the baby gets the next dose at the usual time.
How many doses of rotavirus vaccine does a baby need?
Two for Rotarix and three for RotaTeq. If the brands were mixed or one is unknown, the baby needs 3 doses in total.
Can a premature baby get the rotavirus vaccine?
Yes. Use the baby's age from birth, not the corrected age, as long as the baby is medically stable, and keep to the same age limits.
Sources
- CDC: Child and adolescent immunization schedule and catch-up guidance
- CDC: Child immunization schedule notes
- CDC: Rotavirus vaccine recommendations
- CDC: Contraindications and precautions (General Best Practice Guidelines)
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.