Diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, polio, tetanus vaccine

Generic name: diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, polio, tetanus vaccine [ dif-THEER-ee-a, hem-OFF-il-us, per-TUS-is, POE-lee-oh, TET-a-nus ]
Brand name: Pentacel
Dosage form: intramuscular kit (-)
Drug class:Vaccine combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 28, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, polio, tetanus (DTaP-IPV/Hib) vaccine?

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

Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Haemophilus B bacteria can infect the lungs or throat, and can also spread to the blood, bones, joints, brain, or spinal cord. It can cause breathing problems or meningitis, and these infections can be fatal.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe long-lasting episodes of cough that can interfere with eating, drinking, or breathing. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.

Polio affects the central nervous system and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. Polio can be fatal if it paralyzes muscles that help you breathe.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth, swallow, or breathe. Tetanus can lead to death.

Diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, and polio are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

The DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccine is used to help prevent these diseases in children who are ages 6 weeks through 4 years (before the 5th birthday). This vaccine helps your child's body develop immunity to these diseases, but will not treat an active infection the child already has.

Like any vaccine, the DTaP-IPV/Hib may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Warnings

Becoming infected with diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, polio, or tetanus is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine.

Before taking this medicine

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has:

• a history of life-threatening allergic reaction to a vaccine containing diphtheria, haemophilus B, tetanus, pertussis, or polio;

• a history of decreased consciousness, seizures, or coma within 7 days after receiving a pertussis vaccine; or

• a progressive or untreated nervous system problem or brain disorder (such as infantile spasms or uncontrolled epilepsy).

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