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INTUSSUSCEPTION AND ROTAVIRUS VACCINES: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Jan. 26, 2026

Rotavirus vaccines are routinely given in infancy and are covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). One specific condition, intussusception, is expressly recognized on the Vaccine Injury Table for rotavirus vaccines, with specific timing and qualification rules.

What is Intussusception?

For Vaccine Injury Table purposes, intussusception means “the invagination of a segment of intestine into the next segment of intestine,” which can result in bowel obstruction, reduced blood supply, and impaired venous blood flow.

The Vaccine Injury Table describes intussusception as being characterized by a sudden onset of abdominal pain, which in infants may show up as:

  • Anguished crying

  • Irritability

  • Vomiting

  • Abdominal swelling

  • Passing stools mixed with blood and mucus

Can Rotavirus Vaccines Cause Intussusception?

Under the Vaccine Injury Table, rotavirus vaccines list “Intussusception” as a covered injury when the first symptom or manifestation occurs within 1–21 days after vaccine administration (not less than 1 day and not more than 21 days).

Intussusception on the Vaccine Injury Table (Key Timing + Exclusions)

Even though intussusception is listed for rotavirus vaccines, the Table also includes important limitations. The following are not considered “Table intussusception”:

  • Onset with or after the third dose of a vaccine containing rotavirus

  • Onset within 14 days after an infectious disease associated with intussusception, including:

    • Viral diseases (including non-enteric or enteric adenovirus, or other enteric viruses such as enterovirus)

    • Enteric bacteria (such as Campylobacter jejuni)

    • Enteric parasites (such as Ascaris lumbricoides)

  • Onset in a person with a preexisting “lead point” identified for intussusception (e.g., polyps, tumors, Meckel’s diverticulum, lymphoma, duplication cysts)

  • Onset in a person with certain bowel abnormalities, including congenital anatomic abnormalities, post-surgical anatomic changes, or other abnormalities caused by mucosal hemorrhage/trauma/abnormal blood vessels (examples listed include Henoch-Schonlein purpura, hematoma, hemangioma)

  • Onset in a person with underlying conditions/systemic diseases associated with intussusception (examples listed include cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Kawasaki disease)

The Severity Requirement

Even if an injury like intussusception meets the Table's timing and diagnostic criteria, the VICP requires that the injury meet a “severity” threshold. To file a claim, the injury must have:

  1. Lasted for more than 6 months; OR

  2. Resulted in inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention; OR

  3. Resulted in death.

 

Legal Considerations and the VICP

If you believe your child suffered intussusception after a rotavirus vaccine, you may be eligible to file a claim in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (“Vaccine Court”). The VICP can provide compensation for:

  • Medical expenses

  • Lost wages or income (where applicable)

  • Pain and suffering

Contact a Vaccine Injury Lawyer Today

At Texas Vaccine Lawyers, a Division of The Greenwood Law Firm, we help clients navigate the VICP claims process to seek justice for vaccine-related injuries. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

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