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Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) among children worldwide. The rotavirus vaccine currently licensed in the United States, Rotateq, has shown to be quite effective against rotavirus disease. This vaccine will prevent 74% of all rotavirus cases, about 98% of severe cases, and about 96% of hospitalizations due to rotavirus.

Transmission: Rotavirus spreads easily. Large amounts of rotavirus are shed in the stool of infected persons and rotavirus is easily spread on contaminated hands and objects. Children can spread rotavirus both before and after they become sick with diarrhea.

Vaccination: The first dose of vaccine should be given between 6-12 weeks old and two additional doses are given at 4-10 week intervals. Children should get all three doses before 32 weeks old. There is insufficient data on the safety and efficacy of PRV in infants outside of these age ranges.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention