Rotavirus vaccine timing — DCH MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Do not start the rotavirus vaccine course
The correct answer is D. In the UK programme, the first dose of Rotarix must be given before 15 weeks of age, and no rotavirus vaccine dose should be given at 24 weeks of age or older. A 7-month-old infant is therefore beyond both upper age limits, so the course must not be started. These restrictions reduce temporal association with intussusception, whose background incidence rises in later infancy. Starting a 2-dose course or giving a single catch-up dose is inappropriate; there is no alternative single-dose schedule. Administration is not deferred until the 12-month vaccines, and specialist supervision does not override the programme's age limits. Any other outstanding routine immunisations should still be given according to the appropriate catch-up schedule.
Reference: UK Health Security Agency. Rotavirus vaccination programme: information for healthcare professionals, sections 'Rotavirus vaccination schedule' and 'Administering the first dose to infants older than 8 weeks'. Updated 7 July 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rotavirus-qas-for-healthcare-practitioners/rotavirus-vaccination-programme-information-for-healthcare-professionals