At what season is the rotavirus vaccine administered, and is it necessary at 9 months of age?

From the Guidelines

The rotavirus vaccine is not necessary at 9 months of age, as the recommended series should be completed by 8 months of age. The vaccine is typically administered during infancy, with the first dose given between 6 weeks and 14 weeks, 6 days of age 1. The recommended schedule includes two or three doses (depending on the brand) starting at 2 months of age. For Rotarix, two doses are given at 2 and 4 months, while for RotaTeq, three doses are given at 2,4, and 6 months of age.

• The minimum interval between doses of rotavirus vaccine is 4 weeks, with no maximum interval set 1.
• The maximum age for the last dose of rotavirus vaccine is 8 months, 0 days of age 1.
• Rotavirus infections are most severe in young infants, and the vaccine needs to be administered before potential natural exposure.
• The vaccine prevents severe diarrhea and dehydration caused by rotavirus infection, which is a leading cause of hospitalization in young children worldwide.
• At 9 months, a child would be too old to receive the rotavirus vaccine if they haven't already started the series, due to limited safety data 1.

From the Research

Rotavirus Vaccine Administration

• The rotavirus vaccine is typically administered at ages 2,4, and 6 months 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The first dose should be administered between 6 and 12 weeks of age, and vaccination should not be initiated for infants aged >12 weeks 2.
• The maximum age for the first dose of either rotavirus vaccine is 14 weeks and 6 days 5.
• There is no evidence to suggest that the rotavirus vaccine is administered at a specific season.

Necessity of Rotavirus Vaccine at 9 Months of Age

• The recommended ages for rotavirus vaccine administration are 2,4, and 6 months 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The vaccine series should be completed by age 32 weeks 2.
• There is no evidence to suggest that the rotavirus vaccine is necessary at 9 months of age, as the recommended vaccine series is typically completed by 6-7 months of age.
• In fact, the vaccine should not be initiated for infants aged >12 weeks 2, and the maximum age for the first dose is 14 weeks and 6 days 5.