How does a vaccination with Infanrix work?

After the second month of life, babies should be vaccinated with Infanrix hexa by their pediatrician or family doctor. The vaccination itself is administered with a syringe that has to be injected into a muscle of the child. Up to the age of 18 months the thigh is usually used for this purpose.

In older children the vaccine is injected into the upper arm. In exceptional cases, if a child has blood clotting disorders, the vaccine should be injected under the skin. After the vaccination has been administered, the doctor will document this in the child’s vaccination book and inform you about the next necessary vaccinations.

How often must I be vaccinated?

When vaccinating with Infanrix, a so-called basic immunization is first carried out with either two or three syringes. There must be an interval of at least one month between the individual injections. At the earliest six months after the last vaccination, a one-time booster is necessary. Your doctor will inform you of the corresponding dates.

What does the vaccination cost?

The costs for a vaccination with Infanrix are fully covered by both statutory and private health insurance companies. The price for one vaccination dose is about 80€.An additional payment is not necessary.

Who pays the costs?

Vaccination with Infanrix includes vaccinations publicly recommended by the permanent vaccination commission (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). These are covered by both statutory and private health insurance companies. Only vaccinations not recommended by the STIKO must be paid for by yourself.

Side effects of the vaccination

Each vaccination stimulates the body’s own defense system to produce defense cells and antibodies. During this activation of the immune system it is quite normal that some symptoms temporarily appear as side effects. These include swelling and redness at the site of vaccination, slight fever, loss of appetite, restlessness and fatigue.

Babies and toddlers often have unusual crying. Diarrhea or vomiting may also occur. Occasionally the arm or leg to which the vaccination has been given may swell.

In rare cases a skin rash may occur. Very rare are side effects such as seizures or inflammation of the skin. In case of pronounced side effects or if the child appears listless or has a fever above 39°C, a doctor should be consulted early.