At what months should Rotavirus vaccine be administered according to Queensland (QLD) guidelines?

From the Guidelines

Rotavirus vaccine should be given to infants at 2 and 4 months of age, with the first dose administered between 6-14 weeks of age and the second dose between 10-24 weeks of age, according to the Queensland Immunisation Schedule. The recommended schedule for administration of rotavirus vaccine is outlined in the guidelines, with RV1 (Rotarix) administered in a 2-dose series at ages 2 and 4 months 1. It's critical that the first dose is given before 15 weeks of age and the complete vaccination course must be finished by 25 weeks (approximately 6 months) of age. This strict timing is important because studies have shown an increased risk of intussusception (a type of bowel obstruction) if the vaccine is given to older infants. Some key points to consider when administering the rotavirus vaccine include:

• The minimum age for the first dose is 6 weeks, and the maximum age for the first dose is 14 weeks and 6 days 1
• The minimum interval between doses is 4 weeks, and the maximum age for the last dose is 8 months and 0 days 1
• Rotavirus vaccination is important as it protects against severe gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus, which can lead to severe dehydration requiring hospitalization in young children, as highlighted in a study published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1. The vaccine is given orally rather than by injection, making it easier to administer to infants.

From the Research

Rotavirus Vaccination Schedule

According to the provided studies, the recommended schedule for rotavirus vaccination is as follows:

• The first dose of rotavirus vaccine should be given at 6-14 weeks of age 2
• The vaccine is administered in a two- or three-dose course, depending on the type of vaccine 2

Key Points

• The exact months for rotavirus vaccination are not specified in the provided studies, but the age range for the first dose is given as 6-14 weeks 2
• The Queensland (QLD) guidelines are not explicitly mentioned in the studies, but the general recommendation for rotavirus vaccination is provided 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• The studies discuss the efficacy and safety of rotavirus vaccines, but do not provide specific information on the QLD guidelines for vaccination schedules

Vaccine Types and Schedules

• There are different types of rotavirus vaccines, including RV1, RV5, and Rotavac, each with its own schedule and efficacy 5
• The vaccines are administered orally and have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing severe rotavirus diarrhea 2, 3, 4, 5, 6