Prevention

Español: Prevención

Rotavirus spreads easily. Good hygiene like handwashing and cleanliness are important, but are not enough to control the spread of the disease.

Rotavirus vaccine is the best way to protect your child against rotavirus illness. Most children (about 9 out of 10) who get the vaccine will be protected from severe rotavirus illness. While about 7 out of 10 children will be protected from rotavirus illness. CDC recommends routine vaccination of infants with either of the two available vaccines:

• RotaTeq® (RV5), which is given in 3 doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months; or
• Rotarix® (RV1), which is given in 2 doses at ages 2 months and 4 months.

Both rotavirus vaccines are given orally.

Rotavirus vaccines do not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other viruses or pathogens.