Dosage and schedule of rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix TM)

Two new live-attenuated rotavirus vaccines have been licensed for use in routine immunization programmes. They are both given orally to infants as drops into the mouth. The vaccine chosen for the EPI in Ethiopia is known by its brand name Rotarix^TM. It is a liquid suspension vaccine, supplied in single-dose ‘squeeze-tube’ vials.

Rotarix^TM is given in two oral doses, each of 1.5 ml, at the following time intervals:

• First dose at 6 weeks of age, but no later than 12 weeks
• Second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose
• The two-dose schedule should be completed by 16 weeks, but no later than by 24 weeks of age.

Note that the ideal schedule is to give the first dose of Rotarix^TM to all infants at 6 weeks of age at the same time as giving Penta1 and OPV1, and give the second dose at 10 weeks at the same time as Penta2 and OPV2.