RotaTeq Rotavirus Vaccine Live, Oral Pentavalent Solution 2 mL (RX) **Refrigeration Required

RotaTeq is a live, attenuated oral vaccine that protects against rotavirus infection. Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, especially in young children. The vaccine is given in a series of three doses to infants between the ages of 6 weeks and 32 weeks. Each 2 mL dose contains a pentavalent blend of five live, weakened strains of rotavirus. RotaTeq works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the rotavirus, providing protection against infection. It is considered safe and effective, and is recommended for routine use by the World Health Organization and many national immunization programs.

• The vaccination series consists of three ready-to-use liquid doses of RotaTeq* administered orally starting at 6 to 12 weeks of age, with the subsequent doses administered at 4 to 10 week intervals.
• 10 individually pouched single dose tubes.
• Each dose is supplied in a container consisting of a squeezable plastic dosing tube with a twist-off cap, allowing for direct oral administration.
  

What is the Rotavirus?

The Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes an infection in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in severe diarrhea and vomiting. It primarily affects infants and young children, and can lead to dehydration and other serious complications. The virus is spread through contact with stool or vomit of an infected person, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Rotavirus can be prevented by vaccination, and the most common form of treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent dehydration through rehydration therapy. While most cases of rotavirus infection are mild and can be treated at home, severe cases may require hospitalization.

Mechanism of Action for RotaTeq Rotavirus Vaccine:

RotaTeq rotavirus vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the rotavirus. The vaccine contains live, weakened rotavirus strains that are similar to ones that cause infection but are not strong enough to make a person ill. When the vaccine is administered, the rotavirus strains stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, which provide immunity against future infections.

The vaccine enters the gastrointestinal tract and replicates itself, triggering the production of antibodies that target the rotavirus. These antibodies circulate throughout the body and stay in the gut, ready to fight against the virus if it is encountered again.

The vaccine also stimulates cells in the small intestine to produce a substance called secretory IgA, which helps prevent the virus from attaching to the intestinal cells and causing infection.

By priming the immune system with the weakened strains of the virus, the RotaTeq vaccine provides protection against rotavirus infection and greatly reduces the risk of serious complications. Also, even if a vaccinated person does get infected with rotavirus, their body will respond quickly and efficiently, preventing a severe illness.

Overall, the mechanism of action for RotaTeq rotavirus vaccine is to elicit a protective immune response against rotavirus, preventing infection and complications.