Rotavirus vaccine

What is rotavirus

Rotavirus is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Rotavirus spreads easily from person to person through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with infected faeces (poo). The virus can also spread through contaminated surfaces, food or water. 

Rotavirus can lead to dehydration, especially in babies and young children. Some children may need hospital treatment. 

What is the rotavirus vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine is given by mouth and helps protect people from rotavirus. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes rotavirus, without causing the disease itself. 

Rotavirus vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against rotavirus and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection. 

You can find product information and consumer medicine information about rotavirus vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website. 

Who can get the rotavirus vaccine

The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for babies at: 

• 2 months of age 
• 4 months of age. 

The age limit for rotavirus vaccines is very strict. If your baby misses a dose or is late getting their vaccine, they may not be able to be vaccinated. 

The rotavirus vaccine is not recommended for older children or adults. 

Babies must also have a Medicare card or be eligible to be on one. 

If your baby is not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP

Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription. 

If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP. 

Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more. 

How the rotavirus vaccine is given

Costs

Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment. 

Side effects

Most side effects of rotavirus vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare. 

Common side effects include: 

• vomiting 
• diarrhoea. 

These side effects can occur up to 7 days after vaccination. 

Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional. 

Very rare side effect: bowel obstruction (intussusception)

Intussusception is when a segment of the bowel slides into the next, like the pieces of a telescope.  

For babies getting the rotavirus vaccine, there is: 

• a very small risk of this happening in the first week after the first dose 
• an even smaller risk of it happening after the second dose. 

Symptoms include: 

• looking pale 
• getting irritable 
• crying more than usual 
• pulling legs up to the tummy because of pain. 

Checking immunisation history

You can get proof of your child’s vaccination history. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.  

Information for health professionals

If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information. 

You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook rotavirus page.  

Next steps

Talk to a health professional to confirm if the rotavirus vaccine is free or recommended for your baby. 

Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department. 

More information

• View our NIP resources. 
• Watch our video called What is rotavirus? to find out why childhood rotavirus vaccination is so important. 
• Visit our Childhood immunisation site. 
• Read the Rotavirus vaccines for Australian children page on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website. 

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