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 2.
• The maximum age for the last dose of rotavirus vaccine is 8 months, 0 days of age 3.
• 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, 2, 3.

From the Research

Rotavirus Vaccine Administration

• The rotavirus vaccine is typically administered at ages 2, 4, and 6 months 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
• The first dose should be administered between 6 and 12 weeks of age, and vaccination should not be initiated for infants aged >12 weeks 4.
• The maximum age for the first dose of either rotavirus vaccine is 14 weeks and 6 days 7.
• 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 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
• The vaccine series should be completed by age 32 weeks 4.
• 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 4, and the maximum age for the first dose is 14 weeks and 6 days 7.