Rotavirus Vaccine 2 mL RotaTeq; 1 mL Rotarix Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Oral liquid vaccine (suspension), Powder for reconstitution

Available Strengths: 2 mL RotaTeq; 1 mL Rotarix

Reference Brands: RotaTeq, Rotarix (US)

Category: Vaccines

Oral rotavirus vaccines for infant immunisation: a pentavalent ready-to-use 2 mL oral solution and a monovalent powder reconstituted to a 1 mL dose. For ministries of health, immunisation programmes, UN tender suppliers and licensed importers.

Product Description:

Rotavirus vaccines are live, attenuated oral vaccines for infants. Weakened rotavirus strains multiply in the gut and train the immune system against the commonest cause of severe dehydrating diarrhoea in young children. Two presentations are listed. One is a pentavalent bovine-human reassortant vaccine, a ready-to-use oral solution given as a 2 mL dose. The other is a monovalent human-strain vaccine, here a powder reconstituted with its diluent and given as a 1 mL dose. No needle is needed, which keeps administration simple.

WHO recommends rotavirus vaccine in all national immunisation programmes. The first dose is given from six weeks of age; the monovalent vaccine is a two-dose course and the pentavalent a three-dose course, at least four weeks apart. Labels set age limits for completing the course, and national schedules follow WHO and local policy. The vaccine must never be injected. Previous intussusception and severe combined immunodeficiency are contraindications, and doses are postponed during acute diarrhoea or vomiting.

Sourcing notes. Keep the vaccine at 2-8 °C throughout the cold chain, protected from light and never frozen. For UN agency or donor-funded tenders, WHO prequalification is normally required, so ask for the reference and confirm the exact presentation is covered. Each lot needs release by the national control laboratory, and many importing authorities add their own lot release; ask for the lot release certificate and summary protocol with each shipment. Specify presentation, doses per pack, vaccine vial monitor, remaining shelf life and temperature logger data.