1. Module 3 Rotavirus vaccine eligibility
Training for rotavirus vaccine introduction
Module 3
Rotavirus vaccine eligibility

2. Learning objectives
At the end of the module, the participant will be able to:
Describe the recommended immunization schedule for rotavirus vaccine
Describe when an infant is eligible for rotavirus vaccine and when he/she is not eligible
Describe ways to determine an infant’s eligibility for rotavirus vaccine when a written record is unavailable
Describe the absolute contraindications for vaccination
Duration
60’

3. Key issues 1 2 3 What is the schedule for rotavirus vaccine?
What to do when the exact date of birth (DOB) or immunization card is missing? 2
What are the contraindications for vaccination? 3
To the facilitator:
Explain the key issues raised in this module to the participants.
Caretakers bring their infants for immunization but before vaccinating the infant you have to be sure that he or she is eligible for rotavirus vaccine.
This module will teach you to ask the right questions to determine the eligibility of an infant for rotavirus vaccine:
What is the rotavirus vaccine schedule?
What to do when the exact date of birth (DOB) is missing ?
What to do when the immunization card is missing?
What are the contraindications for vaccination?

4. What is the rotavirus vaccine schedule?
Rotavac™ vaccine is given in a 3-dose schedule at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age
Rotavac™ vaccine can be given at same time as other vaccines in the schedule, such as DTP-HepB-Hib (i.e. Penta1, Penta2 and Penta3)
Maintain an interval of 4 weeks between doses, starting 6 weeks
Rota 1
Rota 2
Rota 3
To the facilitator:
Describe the vaccination schedule to the participants.
Rotavac™ vaccine is given in a 3-dose schedule at 6 (for the 1st dose) and 10 and 14 weeks of age (for the 2nd and 3rd dose), preferably.
Rotavac™ vaccine doses can be given at the same time as first and second dose of DTP-HepB-Hib (i.e. Penta1 and Penta2).
Note that there should be an interval of at least 4 weeks between the doses. 32
weeks
Birth 6 10 14 4

5. What should you do in this scenario?
An infant’s immunization card shows that he/she is now 17 weeks old and has only received BCG and OPV 1 vaccines.
What should you do?
To the facilitator:
Read the situation and question to participants.
Response:
The infant can still receive rotavirus vaccine.
Give the first dose of rotavirus, pentavalent vaccine and other vaccines according to national schedule
Administer a second dose of OPV if more than 4 weeks have passed since the first dose of OPV
Make an appointment for the next doses according to the schedule
Explain to the caretaker the importance of coming for vaccination on time and completing the immunization schedule
Make sure to use immunization registers and community volunteers to ensure that the infant completes the immunization schedule 5

6. Absolute contraindications
Hypersensitivity after previous administration of rotavirus vaccines or to any of the components of the vaccine
Previous history of intussusception
Acute infection or febrile illness may a reason to postpone administration of Rotavac™
Mild illness such as an upper respiratory tract infection or mild diarrhoea is not a contraindication
To the facilitator:
Explain to the participants the absolute contraindications.
Infants suffering from the following should not be vaccinated with Rotavac™ vaccine.
Hypersensitivity after previous administration of rotavirus vaccines: Do not give second dose of rotavirus vaccine if the infant showed hypersensitivity to first dose
Known hypersensitivity to any of the components in the vaccine.
Previous history of intussusception: Do not give rotavirus vaccines if the caretaker informs you that the infant has had an episode of intussusception
The administration of Rotavac™ may be postponed in subjects suffering from acute infection or febrile illness
If infant has mild illness, mild fever or mild diarrhoea, vaccinate as usual
Note that mild illness such as an upper respiratory tract infection is not a contraindication. 6

7. Key messages
On-time vaccination is very important for rotavirus vaccine
First dose of Rotavac™ should be given at 6 weeks of age
Second and third dose should be given at 10 and 14 weeks of age, respectively – minimum interval of 4 weeks should be maintained between doses
If infants have missed their rotavirus vaccines, they can receive the vaccine up to 24 months of age
Rotavirus vaccine can be given simultaneously with other vaccines like pentavalent vaccine, PCV or OPV
Mild illness such as an upper respiratory tract infection or mild diarrhoea is not a contraindication
To the facilitator:
Explain to the participants that these messages are the main information to keep in mind.

8. Thank you for your attention!
End of module
Thank you for your attention!
To the facilitator:
This is the end of the module.
You have been introduced to “Rotavirus vaccine eligibility” module.
The following module is titled “Rotavirus vaccine administration”.
Thank you for your attention!