RotaTeq is a vaccine given to babies to help prevent a stomach virus called rotavirus.
ROTATEQ is listed under Health Canada DIN 02284413. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
ROTATEQ
DIN
02284413
Vaccine
Rotavirus, live (human-bovine reassortant, pentavalent)
Presentation
2 mL · oral solution · infants 6 weeks to under 8 months
Live vaccine
Yes
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
RotaTeq is a vaccine given to babies to help prevent a stomach virus called rotavirus.
Rotavirus can cause bad diarrhea and vomiting in young children, sometimes serious enough to need hospital care.
This vaccine helps your baby's body build its own defense against the most common rotavirus types.
What to mention before a dose
Tell the doctor or nurse if your baby has ever had an allergic reaction to a dose of this vaccine or to any of its ingredients.
Tell them if your baby has ever had a blocked or twisted bowel (intussusception).
Tell them if your baby was born with a problem in the stomach or intestines.
Tell them if your baby has a weak immune system, was diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID), has cancer, or is on medicine that weakens the immune system.
Tell them if someone in your household has a weak immune system.
Tell them if your baby currently has diarrhea, is vomiting, has a fever, or is not growing or gaining weight as expected.
How it is given
A healthcare professional gives this vaccine by mouth, straight from a small dosing tube into your baby's cheek.
Your baby does not need to avoid food, formula, or breast milk before or after getting this vaccine.
This vaccine works together with your baby's other routine childhood vaccines, though it should never be mixed with any other vaccine or liquid in the same dose.
Important things to know
This vaccine can very rarely cause a serious bowel problem called intussusception, where part of the intestine folds into itself and gets blocked. This is most likely in the week after the first dose.
Get medical help right away if your baby has severe belly pain, a swollen belly, ongoing vomiting, blood in the stool, or high fever after a dose.
Because this vaccine contains a live virus, your baby may pass small amounts of it in their stool for a week or two after a dose, and in rare cases it can spread to people in close contact.
Wash your hands well after every diaper change for one to two weeks after each dose.
Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible with any vaccine.
Effects you may notice
Diarrhea.
Vomiting.
Mild fever.
Runny nose or sore throat.
Coughing or wheezing.
Ear infections.
Fussiness or irritability.
Small streaks of blood in the stool, which are usually mild and go away on their own.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Your baby has diarrhea or vomiting that does not improve.
Your baby seems unusually fussy or is not feeding well after a dose.
You notice any new symptom that concerns you after vaccination.
Someone in your household has a weakened immune system and you have questions about vaccine virus exposure.
When to get emergency help
Severe belly pain, a swollen or bloated belly, repeated vomiting, or blood in the stool.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, hives, or trouble breathing.
A high fever that will not come down, or a baby who seems very unwell, extremely sleepy, or hard to wake up.
Other medicines and vaccines
Tell your healthcare provider about every medicine, vitamin, or supplement your baby takes, and about any medicine that weakens the immune system.
This vaccine can be given at the same visit as your baby's other routine vaccines.
Key points to remember
Keep a record of every dose your baby receives and bring it to each appointment.
Watch for signs of a bowel blockage for about a week after each dose, especially the first one.
This vaccine only protects against rotavirus; it will not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other germs.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Rotavirus (ROTATEQ) — three oral doses
3 doses
Three oral doses 4 to 10 weeks apart, started at 6 to under 15 weeks of age and finished before 8 months.
First dose from 6 weeks of age and before 15 weeks of age; later doses 4 to 10 weeks apart; every dose before 8 months of age. Not given to infants with severe combined immunodeficiency or a history of intussusception. An infant whose first dose was inadvertently given at 15 weeks or later still completes the series, all doses before 8 months.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.