Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect infants and young children from severe gastrointestinal illness. However, in rare cases, a child may develop a serious condition known as intussusception—a form of bowel obstruction that can occur when one part of the intestine slides into another after vaccination. This complication can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain and requires immediate medical attention.

The symptoms of intussusception typically appear within a few days to a week after vaccination and can progress quickly. Parents often describe their child’s distress as waves of intense crying followed by periods of exhaustion or sleepiness. Because the intestine becomes blocked, blood flow can be restricted, leading to dangerous complications if not treated promptly.

Warning signs can appear suddenly and may include:

  • Sudden, severe, or cramping abdominal pain

  • Repeated episodes of crying and pulling legs toward the chest

  • Vomiting (sometimes with green or yellow fluid)

  • Blood or mucus in the stool (“currant jelly” appearance)

  • Lethargy, weakness, or difficulty staying awake

  • Swollen or tender abdomen

When treated quickly—usually through a special type of X-ray procedure or, in some cases, surgery—most children make a full recovery. However, if left untreated, intussusception can cause life-threatening damage to the intestines.

If your child developed severe abdominal pain or was diagnosed with intussusception after a rotavirus vaccination, you may qualify for compensation. These claims have strict filing deadlines, so contact our firm right away to begin your claim and protect your child’s right to recovery.

  • The rotavirus vaccine contains live attenuated (weakened) rotavirus strains designed to safely trigger immunity without causing full infection.

    It’s given orally (by mouth), not by injection. The vaccine also contains stabilizers, buffering agents, and trace amounts of sucrose or salts to preserve its effectiveness.

    • Contains: Live weakened rotavirus strains.

    • Form: Given orally (not injected).

    • Other components: Sucrose, stabilizers, and buffering agents to ensure vaccine stability.

  • Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in infants and young children.

    The vaccine helps the immune system recognize and fight the virus early, preventing severe illness and hospitalization.

    • Prevents severe diarrhea, dehydration, and hospitalization in infants.

    • Reduces rotavirus-related deaths worldwide.

    • Protects communities through herd immunity, especially in childcare settings.

  • The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) recognizes Intussusception as a rotavirus injury.

    Intussusception refers to rare but serious intestinal blockage where one part of the intestine slides into another, typically within a week after vaccination.

    At the same time, people can experience SIRVA shoulder injuries, vasovagal syncope (fainting), or any number of other injuries from the rotavirus vaccine.

    If you or someoen you know may have been injured by this or any other vaccine, contact us as soon as possible, before the deadline runs out to file a claim for compensation.

  • If you may have suffered a vaccine-related injury, the most important step is to seek medical care right away.

    Early treatment can help reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and create clear medical documentation that supports your recovery and any future claim.

    Once you’ve received care, hire a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) lawyer to handle your case.

    VICP claims follow a unique federal process, and having a lawyer who understands this system ensures your claim is filed correctly and on time.

    Best of all, attorney fees are paid by the program, not by you. Getting the right help early protects both your health and your legal rights, without costing you anything, whether you win or lose your claim.

    • Rotavirus vaccines (RotaTeq® and Rotarix®) are 85–98% effective at preventing severe rotavirus illness.

    • Since introduction, rotavirus hospitalizations in U.S. children have dropped by more than 80%.

    • Millions of doses are given every year worldwide.

    • Intussusception risk: Estimated at about 1–5 cases per 100,000 infants vaccinated.

A close-up of a father and his newborn baby resting together under a fuzzy blanket.