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Is It Safe To Switch From Rotateq To Rotavac For Rotavirus Vaccination?

Posted on Sat, 5 Sep 2015

Question: Hello Doctor,
Our baby is now 15 weeks old. He had routine immunization at 6 and 10 weeks. The Rotavirus vaccine used at 6 and 10 weeks was Rotateq, a pentavalent vaccine with 2ml dose. However at 15 week immunization, the doctor administered Rotavac, which we found out later is monovalent with 0.5ml dose. All other vaccines (DTwP, HiB IPV, PCV13) were same brand as before (6 weeks : Prevenar, Pentavac, Imovax; 10 & 15 weeks : Prevenar, Quadrovax, Imovax).
Question is: Is there a problem now because of giving Rotavac instead of Rotateq? Can we give Rotateq later to complete Rotateq dosage? If so, when? Will combining pentavalent Rotateq and monovalent Rotavac in this way compromise immunity to Rota viruses? What should be done now?

Thanks,
XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rotateq can be used for subsequent dose without worries

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through the details provided. RotaTeq is oral vaccine given by mouth in 3 doses. It protects against G1, G2, G3 and G4 serotypes of rotavirus. Rotavac on the other hand is monovalent. However, there is no problem if the dose is completed using Rotateq. The doses are administered at 4 to 10 week intervals. Combining brands will not compromise the immunity to rotaviruses. I would prefer continuation using Rotateq if price is not a factor.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (8 hours later)

Thanks for the reply.

By when should the Rotateq dose be given?
6 weeks : Rotateq
10 weeks : Rotateq
15 weeks : Rotavac

Since Rotavac is already given, how long to wait before giving Rotateq again?
Also, will there be any 'overdose' situation because we will end up giving 4 rotavirus vaccine instead of 3?
And my previous question : by giving Rotavac, is there a problem?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is no need for another dose but no problems if it is given.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

You need not administer Rotateq again. In case you still wish to give another dose, it can be given at 4-10 interval. It will not act as a overdose. There should be no adverse effects is another dose of the vaccine is given.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (42 hours later)

Thanks for the reply.

1. If we give Rotateq again after say 5 weeks, there will be gap of nearly 9 weeks between 2nd dose and 3rd dose of Rotateq (with one dose of Rotavac in between). Will the vaccine still be effective?

2. Finally, should we be worried about the baby's immunity in this case? Is the rota virus immunity life long? What is your recommendation for us to ensure best possible long term outcome for baby?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No problems if an extra dose is given.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Sorry for not being able to respond anytime faster.

1. If in any confusion or anxiety, no problems if another dose of Rotateq is given. The immunity from the previous vaccines would still remain effective and would get boosted. No problems due to the intermediate dose of Rotavac.

2. You need not worry about the baby's immunity. The exact duration of immunity provided by rotaviral vaccine is not known. It is perhaps not life long but the immunity stays for several years. The vaccine would provide protection for the initial childhood years, the primary period of concern. Thereafter, the disease is not that severe. No problems if an extra dose is given but I would recommend you not to worry about it any further.

Wish you all the best.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 days later)

Thanks for your reply.

We will see if we can give Rotateq after 4-5 weeks. However, after seeing your replies, we will rest assured that our baby will be fine, whether we give the rotateq or not. Thanks for putting our mind at ease.

I do not have any further questions. Please let us know if you have any more thoughts or opinions on this matter or any general advice for us regarding vaccinations.

Regards.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Glad to be of service

Detailed Answer:
Good to hear that you have found the peace of mind. You need not worry any further about the immunity against rotaviruses. I do not have any further suggestions at present.

Feel free to contact me back later whenever you have any health related concern and I would be glad to help.

In case you found my answer to be helpful, please close the thread with a positive review and a 5 star rating.

Wish you and your family proper health.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar