ROTASIL LIQUID

Rotasil Rotavirus Drops

Rotasil is an oral vaccine designed to protect infants and young children against rotavirus infections, which are a leading cause of severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. These infections can lead to hospitalization and, in severe cases, death, making early vaccination with Rotasil crucial for safeguarding children's health.

How It Works

Rotasil contains a live, attenuated strain of the rotavirus. This weakened virus cannot cause the disease but stimulates the immune system to build protection against future rotavirus infections. Once vaccinated, the child’s immune system is better prepared to fight off the rotavirus if exposed.

Administration

• Dosage: Rotasil is administered in a series of oral doses.
• Schedule:
  • Typically given at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks of age.
  • Alternatively, the vaccine may be administered at 2 and 4 months of age, depending on the vaccination schedule.
• Administration Method: The vaccine is given orally as drops, making it easy to administer to infants.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Mild diarrhea
• Irritability
• Fever

Serious side effects are rare, but parents should monitor their child for any unusual symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Pregnancy: Not applicable, as Rotasil is intended for infants.
• Lactation: Safe for breastfeeding mothers to administer to their infants.

Age Group

• Minimum Age: Approved for use in infants starting at 6 weeks old.
• Upper Age Limit: The vaccine is typically not administered after 24 weeks (6 months) of age.

Contraindications

• Allergic Reactions: Not recommended for infants with severe allergies to any component of the vaccine.
• Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID): Should not be given to infants with SCID.
• History of Intussusception: Not recommended for infants with a history of intussusception, a condition where part of the intestine folds into another section, causing a blockage.

Nature of Antigen

• Nature of Antigen: Rotasil contains a live, attenuated human-bovine reassortant strain of the rotavirus. This means it is a combination of human and bovine rotavirus strains designed to provide broad protection against rotavirus infections.

Vaccine Type

• Type: Rotasil is a pentavalent vaccine, meaning it targets five different strains of rotavirus (G1, G2, G3, G4, and P[8]).

Origin and Manufacturer

• Origin: Rotasil is an Indian vaccine.
• Manufacturer: The vaccine is produced by the Serum Institute of India, one of the world’s leading vaccine manufacturers.
• Introduction Year: Rotasil was introduced in 2015.

Rotasil is a critical vaccine in preventing rotavirus infections and reducing the risk of severe gastrointestinal illness in infants and young children. Developed by the Serum Institute of India, Rotasil is widely used in immunization programs to protect against multiple strains of rotavirus. For personalized vaccination schedules and advice, always consult a healthcare provider.