Diphtheria, haemophilus B, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, tetanus

Generic name: diphtheria, haemophilus B, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, tetanus [ dif-THEER-ee-a, hem-OFF-il-us-B, HEP-a-TYE-tis-B, per-TUS-iss, POE-lee-oe, TET-a-nus- ]
Brand name: Vaxelis
Dosage form: intramuscular suspension (-)
Drug class:Vaccine combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 14, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is diphtheria, haemophilus/hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, tetanus vaccine (Vaxelis)?

Diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria or virus.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airway. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) can cause breathing problems or meningitis. Hib infection usually affects children and can be fatal.

Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes coughing so severe that it interferes with eating, drinking, or breathing. These spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death.

Polio is a life threatening condition that affects the central nervous system and spinal cord. It can cause muscle weakness and paralysis and can paralyze the muscles that help you breathe.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Vaxelis is used to help prevent these diseases in children. This vaccine helps the body develop immunity to these diseases. Your child will not get these diseases from getting this vaccine.

Diphtheria, haemophilus B, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio, tetanus vaccine (Vaxelis) is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 4 years old (before the child has reached his or her 5th birthday).

Like any vaccine, Vaxelis may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Warnings

Your child should not receive a booster vaccine if he or she had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Before taking this medicine

Your child should not receive this vaccine if ...