Rotarix (Rotavirus vaccine) Oral Suspension 1Vialx1.5ml

Rotarix (Rotavirus Vaccine) is an oral suspension designed to protect against rotavirus infections. Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children worldwide. Rotarix is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the virus that helps the body develop immunity without causing the disease itself.

How It Works

Rotarix works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against rotavirus. When the vaccine is administered orally, it mimics a natural infection without causing the actual disease. The attenuated virus in the vaccine replicates in the gut, prompting the immune system to recognize the virus and produce antibodies. These antibodies provide protection against future infections by rotavirus, significantly reducing the risk of severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children.

Side Effects

While most infants receiving Rotarix do not experience serious side effects, some may encounter mild reactions. Common side effects include:

• Mild irritability or fussiness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Loss of appetite

In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as intussusception, a type of bowel blockage. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child experiences severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or blood in the stool.

Indications

Rotarix is indicated for the prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by G1 and non-G1 types (G2, G3, G4, and G9) in infants and children. It is specifically recommended for:

• Infants aged 6 to 24 weeks for the primary immunization series
• Healthy infants, regardless of gender
• Infants who are not allergic to any component of the vaccine

Contraindications

Rotarix should not be administered in the following situations:

• Infants with a history of severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine
• Infants with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
• Infants with a history of intussusception
• Infants with acute severe febrile illness (fever)
• Infants with severe diarrhea or vomiting at the time of vaccination

Price in Different Countries

Country	Price (per 1 Vial x 1.5 ml)	References
United States	$110	GoodRx Rotarix Price
United Kingdom	£70	NHS Rotavirus Vaccine Price
Canada	$130	Canadian Pharmacy Rotarix Price
Australia	$100	PBS Rotarix Price
India	₹7,500	1mg Rotarix Price

Top 5 Global Brands

The top five global brands for the rotavirus vaccine include:

• Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline): The primary brand for rotavirus vaccination, known for its broad protection against multiple rotavirus strains.
• RotaTeq (Merck & Co.): Another leading rotavirus vaccine, offering protection against different strains of rotavirus.
• Rotavac (Bharat Biotech): Widely used in India and gaining recognition for its affordability and effectiveness.
• Rotavin-M1 (POLYVAC): A Vietnamese vaccine known for its regional effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
• RotaShield (Wyeth): Although withdrawn from the market, it was the first rotavirus vaccine and laid the groundwork for subsequent developments.