Rx
🏭 MSD
❄️ Cold Chain
⭐ Pentavalent
🌐 WHO Prequalified
💧 Oral · Ready-to-Use
ROTATEQ® · MSD · 2 mL Single-Dose Tube · Oral Use
5 Rotavirus Strains · G1,G2,G3,G4,P[8] · Live Attenuated · MSD India
👥 Who Should Get ROTATEQ?
Rotavirus vaccination is recommended for all infants as part of the routine immunization schedule. ROTATEQ is especially important for:
Infants 6 – 15 Weeks (First Dose Window)
The first dose of ROTATEQ must be given before 15 weeks of age. Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in infants — early vaccination is critical for protection.
Infants in Daycare or with Siblings
Rotavirus spreads easily via the faecal-oral route. Infants with older siblings in school/daycare or attending creche are at higher exposure risk and benefit strongly from timely vaccination.
Breastfed and Formula-Fed Infants
ROTATEQ can be given regardless of feeding method. Breastfeeding does not reduce vaccine effectiveness and can continue normally before and after each dose.
Premature Infants (Clinically Stable)
Premature infants who are clinically stable can receive ROTATEQ per the same chronological age schedule as full-term infants. Consult your paediatrician for individual timing.
Families Seeking Complete Protection
Given the severity of rotavirus gastroenteritis and the risk of hospitalization, IAP recommends ROTATEQ as part of the universal infant immunization schedule for all families.
Infants in High Transmission Areas
Rotavirus circulates year-round in India with a peak in cooler months. Infants in dense urban areas with higher exposure risk particularly benefit from timely, complete vaccination.
🔬 ROTATEQ Composition – Per 2 mL Dose
Each 2 mL single-dose tube contains, as per MSD manufacturer specifications:
| Component | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACTIVE INGREDIENTS – 5 ROTAVIRUS STRAINS | ||
| G1 P[5] | ≥ 2.2 × 106 IFU | Human-Bovine Reassortant, Live Attenuated |
| G2 P[5] | ≥ 2.8 × 106 IFU | Human-Bovine Reassortant, Live Attenuated |
| G3 P[5] | ≥ 2.2 × 106 IFU | Human-Bovine Reassortant, Live Attenuated |
| G4 P[5] | ≥ 2.0 × 106 IFU | Human-Bovine Reassortant, Live Attenuated |
| P[8] (G6) | ≥ 2.3 × 106 IFU | Human-Bovine Reassortant, Live Attenuated |
| PRESENTATION | ||
| Formulation | Ready-to-use liquid | No reconstitution required |
| Pack | 2 mL single-dose tube | Squeeze tube for oral administration |
| Route | Oral | Administered directly into infant's mouth |
💡 Ready-to-Use Formulation: Unlike freeze-dried rotavirus vaccines that require reconstitution with a diluent, ROTATEQ comes in a ready-to-use liquid squeeze tube — reducing preparation errors and administration time.
📅 ROTATEQ Vaccination Schedule
| Dose | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dose 1 | 6 Weeks | Must be given before 15 weeks of age |
| Dose 2 | 10 Weeks | At least 4 weeks after Dose 1 |
| Dose 3 | 14 Weeks | All 3 doses completed before 32 weeks (8 months) of age |
ℹ️ Important timing note: The first dose of ROTATEQ must not be given after 15 weeks of age, and the entire 3-dose series must not be started after 32 weeks of age, due to a theoretical risk of intussusception with delayed first dose.
💡 Route of administration: ROTATEQ is given orally — directly squeezed into the infant's mouth. It is never injected. Our VacciHub certified nurses ensure correct oral administration technique.
⚙️ How Does ROTATEQ Work?
1
Live Attenuated Virus Administered Orally
2 mL of ROTATEQ is given by mouth. The dose delivers 5 live, weakened (attenuated) human-bovine reassortant rotavirus strains — G1, G2, G3, G4 and P[8]. The weakened virus cannot cause the severe disease caused by wild-type rotavirus.
2
Local Replication in the Gut Mucosa
The attenuated virus replicates locally in the lining of the small intestine, mimicking natural infection closely enough to stimulate a strong immune response without causing significant illness.
3
Mucosal and Systemic Immunity Generated
The infant's immune system produces secretory IgA antibodies in the gut (mucosal immunity) as well as systemic IgG antibodies, targeting all 5 vaccine strains and providing cross-protection against other circulating rotavirus strains.
4
Protection Established After the Full 3-Dose Series
Maximum protective efficacy is achieved after completion of all 3 doses. Studies show ROTATEQ significantly reduces severe rotavirus gastroenteritis and rotavirus-related hospitalizations in vaccinated infants.
✅ Cannot cause severe rotavirus disease: ROTATEQ uses attenuated (weakened) virus strains specifically selected to be safe while still triggering effective immunity. Mild, transient symptoms like fussiness or mild diarrhoea are normal immune activation responses.
⚠️ ROTATEQ Side Effects
ROTATEQ has a well-established safety record from extensive clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. Most infants experience no or only mild side effects.
🟡 Common (Mild, 1–2 Days)
- 💧 Mild diarrhoea
- 🤢 Vomiting
- 😣 Irritability
- 👂 Ear infection (otitis media)
- 🌡️ Low-grade fever
🔴 Rare — Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- 🚨 Intussusception (bowel obstruction)
- 😖 Severe abdominal pain
- 🩸 Bloody or jelly-like stool
- 😴 Extreme lethargy
💡 Post-vaccination care: Monitor the infant for the next 1–2 weeks, especially in the 7 days following each dose, for signs of intussusception (severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bloody/jelly-like stool, extreme lethargy). Seek immediate medical attention if these occur. Our VacciHub nurses brief parents on warning signs after every dose.
⚖️ ROTATEQ vs Other Rotavirus Vaccines Available in India
| Feature | ROTATEQ (MSD) | Rotasiil (Serum Institute) | Rotavac (Bharat Biotech) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strains Covered | ✓ 5 (G1,G2,G3,G4,P[8]) | 5 (G1,G2,G3,G4,G9) | 1 (G9P[11], neonatal strain 116E) |
| Doses | 3 oral doses | 3 oral doses | 3 oral doses |
| Schedule | 6, 10, 14 weeks | 6, 10, 14 weeks | 6, 10, 14 weeks |
| Presentation | ✓ Ready-to-use liquid tube | Freeze-dried powder + diluent, or liquid | Freeze-dried powder + diluent, or liquid |
| Reconstitution Needed | ✓ No | Depends on variant | Depends on variant |
| Origin | Human-Bovine Reassortant | Bovine Reassortant | Neonatal Human Strain (116E) |
| MRP (per dose) | ₹897 | Varies by presentation | Varies by presentation |
| VacciHub Price | ✓ ₹897 | See product page | See product page |
ℹ️ Which rotavirus vaccine should I choose? All WHO-prequalified/approved rotavirus vaccines available in India provide strong protection against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. ROTATEQ's ready-to-use liquid format avoids reconstitution steps. Consult VacciHub or your paediatrician for personalized guidance.
Compare in detail with Rotasiil (SII) →
🚫 Precautions and Contraindications
Do NOT give ROTATEQ if:
- Infant has Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Infant has a history of intussusception
- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine component
- Moderate to severe acute illness — defer vaccination until full recovery
Timing Restrictions — Important:
- First dose must NOT be given after 15 weeks of age
- The 3-dose series must NOT be started after 32 weeks of age
- Consult your doctor if the infant has a pre-existing gastrointestinal condition
⚠️ Storage requirements: ROTATEQ must be stored at 2°C to 8°C. Do NOT freeze. VacciHub nurses transport ROTATEQ in validated cold-chain boxes with temperature data loggers to ensure 2–8°C compliance from our storage to your home.
🏥 Why Book ROTATEQ with VacciHub?
Certified Nursing Staff
Trained, certified nurses experienced in infant oral vaccination. Pre-vaccination health check and history review included with every home visit.
End-to-End Cold Chain
ROTATEQ transported in validated cold boxes at 2–8°C. Never frozen. Temperature data logged. Full cold chain compliance certificate available on request.
Genuine MSD ROTATEQ
Sourced exclusively from authorised MSD distributors. Batch number and expiry date shared on WhatsApp receipt post-vaccination.
Whole Family in One Visit
Vaccinate the infant along with other due vaccines or family members in a single home visit. No hospital trips or waiting.
Dose Reminder Service
WhatsApp reminders set automatically for Dose 2 and Dose 3, so you never miss the critical vaccination window.
Same-Day and Weekend Slots
Flexible bookings morning to evening, 7 days a week including public holidays.
📍 ROTATEQ Home Vaccination – Cities We Serve
🏛️Delhi (All Areas)
🏙️Gurgaon
🌆Noida
🏘️Ghaziabad
🏗️Faridabad
🌇Greater Noida
Call +91 92050 04114 to confirm service availability for your specific pincode — same-day slots available in most areas.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – ROTATEQ
ROTATEQ is a Live Attenuated Oral Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine manufactured by MSD. It protects infants against rotavirus gastroenteritis, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in children under 5, by covering 5 common rotavirus strains: G1, G2, G3, G4 and P[8].
As per IAP 2024, ROTATEQ is given as 3 oral doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. The first dose must be given before 15 weeks and all 3 doses must be completed before 32 weeks (8 months) of age.
ROTATEQ MRP is ₹897 per dose. VacciHub offers it at the same price. The nurse home visit fee depends on your pincode area. Call +91 92050 04114 or WhatsApp for the total cost including nurse visit for your location.
ROTATEQ (MSD) is a ready-to-use liquid squeeze tube requiring no reconstitution, while Rotasiil (Serum Institute) is available as a freeze-dried powder that needs reconstitution (a liquid variant is also available). The strains covered also differ slightly — ROTATEQ covers G1,G2,G3,G4,P[8] while Rotasiil covers G1,G2,G3,G4,G9.
No, intussusception is a rare but serious side effect associated with oral rotavirus vaccines. Seek immediate medical attention if the infant develops severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or bloody/jelly-like stools after vaccination.
Yes, VacciHub provides ROTATEQ home vaccination across Delhi (all areas), Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Greater Noida. A certified nurse comes to your home with genuine MSD ROTATEQ at 2–8°C cold chain. Call +91 92050 04114 or WhatsApp to book your appointment.
Yes, breastfeeding does not reduce the effectiveness of ROTATEQ and can continue as normal before and after vaccination.