What are the adverse reactions of the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine is an oral attenuated live vaccine. Adverse reactions after vaccination are generally mild and transient, including low-grade fever, gastrointestinal discomfort, redness at the administration site, changes in mental status, and rare allergic reactions. After vaccination, individuals should be observed at the vaccination site for 30 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions before leaving. After returning home, continue to monitor the recipient's condition and maintain good dietary hygiene.
Under normal circumstances, the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine is an oral attenuated live vaccine. Adverse reactions after vaccination are generally mild and transient, mainly including slight fever, gastrointestinal discomfort, redness around the administration site, changes in mental status, and rare allergic reactions. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Slight fever: Some recipients may develop a low-grade fever within 1–2 days after vaccination, with body temperature typically ranging from 37.5°C to 38.5°C. The fever usually resolves spontaneously within 1–3 days. No special treatment is required; reducing clothing and increasing fluid intake can help lower body temperature. Avoid blindly using antipyretics.
2. Gastrointestinal discomfort: As a common reaction to oral vaccines, this may manifest as mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Diarrhea generally occurs no more than three times per day, with loose or mushy stools. Symptoms typically appear 2–3 days after vaccination and are short-lived. Maintaining a light diet is usually sufficient to relieve symptoms.
3. Redness at the administration site: A small number of recipients may experience mild irritation of the oral mucosa due to crying during oral administration, or improper cleaning by caregivers may cause redness around the mouth. This is usually painless and resolves spontaneously with gentle cleansing using warm water and keeping the area dry.
4. Changes in mental status: Some infants and young children may exhibit slightly reduced activity, drowsiness, or brief irritability within 1–2 days after vaccination, with decreased physical activity but no significant loss of appetite. This condition is typically temporary and resolves quickly with adequate rest.
5. Rare allergic reactions: In very rare cases, recipients may develop allergic symptoms such as rash or urticaria, usually appearing within hours to one day after vaccination. If severe symptoms such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing occur, immediate medical attention is required. Such serious reactions are extremely rare in clinical practice.
Recipients should remain at the vaccination site for 30 minutes of observation to ensure there are no adverse reactions before leaving. After returning home, continue monitoring the recipient's condition, maintain good hygiene in diet, and avoid strenuous activities. Most adverse reactions are normal immune responses and do not require excessive concern.
