Products
DTPa-IPV+Hib vaccine is commercially available as a suspension for intramuscular injection (Infanrix DTPa-IPV+Hib, Pentavac).
Effects
DTPa-IPV+Hib (ATC J07CA06) is a vaccine against the following viral and bacterial diseases. The ingredients used are listed in the third column.
Diphtheria (croup) | D | Diphtheria toxoid |
Tetanus (tetanus toxoid) | T | Tetanus Toxoid |
Pertussis (whooping cough) | Pa | Acellular components: Pertussis toxoid, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin. |
Poliomyelitis (polio). | IPV | Inactivated poliomyelitis virus (IPV). |
Haemophilus influenzae type b | Hib | Capsular polysaccharide |
These are diseases that can lead to severe complications such as deafness, meningitis, brain inflammation, organ damage, and death. It is also possible to have a 6-dose vaccination that simultaneously protects against hepatitis B (DTPa-HepB-IPV+Hib vaccine, Infanrixhexa). It additionally contains hepatitis B surface antigen HBsAg. The Federal Office of Public Health recommends HBV vaccination primarily for adolescents aged 11 to 15 years; however, vaccination in infancy is already possible.
Indications
For active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b in children 2 months of age and older. Early timing ensures that children are protected as soon as possible.
Dosage
According to the drug label. The vaccine is usually injected deeply intramuscularly into infants at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Subsequent booster vaccinations are necessary, according to regulatory information.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to components of the vaccine
- Encephalopathy after previous pertussis vaccination.
- Acute illnesses or infections
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Concurrent vaccination against hepatitis B is possible. Other pediatric vaccines (e.g., measles–mumps–rubella) may be administered concurrently, but a different body site for injection should be selected for this purpose. MMR vaccination is not recommended until 12 months of age.
Adverse effects
The most common adverse effects include, first, local reactions at the injection site such as pain, redness, swelling, and induration. Second, fever often occurs. Paracetamol, for example, may be used for treatment. Other side effects include loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, nervousness, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Rarely, middle ear infection, respiratory infections, skin rash, and hypersensitivity reactions occur.