Pentacel - The Benefits of Pentacel: Comfort and Convenience

The Benefits of Pentacel Vaccine

Why Should I Switch to Pentacel vaccine?

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To minimize the number of injections children receive, parenteral combination vaccines should be used, if licensed and indicated for the patient's age, instead of their equivalent component vaccines.

Simplifies the immunization schedule

Pentacel vaccine simplifies the immunization schedule as the first and only DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccine.^6,7 Four doses of Pentacel vaccine constitute a primary immunization course against pertussis.¹ Pentacel vaccine:

May save up to 7 injections within the first 2 years of life^6,7

Administering a combination vaccine at 15-18 months of age may enhance timeliness and compliance at the fourth dose^6,8

A primary pertussis immunization series consists of 4 doses of Pentacel vaccine

Children who have completed the 4-dose series with Pentacel vaccine should receive a fifth dose of DTaP at 4-6 years of age⁵

Note: Pentacel vaccine does not contain HepB. Health-care providers should administer HepB according to accepted recommendations.^1,7

Adaptation from the CDC-Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule, United States, 2009

Chart of the Impact of Pentacel Vaccine on the Childhood Immunization Schedule

^aACIP = Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; AAP = American Academy
of Pediatrics; AAFP = American Academy of Family Physicians.
^bAdminister 2 doses (separated by ≥4 weeks) to children younger than 9 years of age who are receiving influenza vaccine for
the first time or who were vaccinated for the first time last season, but only received 1 dose.⁷

Indication
Pentacel vaccine is indicated for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b. Pentacel vaccine is approved for use in children 6 weeks through 4 years of age (prior to fifth birthday).

Safety Information
The most common local and systemic adverse reactions to Pentacel vaccine include injection site redness, swelling, and tenderness; fever, fussiness, and crying. Other adverse reactions may occur. Known systemic hypersensitivity reaction to any component of Pentacel vaccine or a life-threatening reaction after previous administration of the vaccine or a vaccine containing the same substances are contraindications to vaccination.

The decision to give Pentacel vaccine should be based on the potential benefits and risks; if Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior vaccine containing tetanus toxoid; or if adverse events have occurred in temporal relation to receipt of pertussis-containing vaccine. Encephalopathy within 7 days of administration of a previous dose of a pertussis-containing vaccine or a progressive neurologic disorder is a contraindication. Vaccination with Pentacel vaccine may not protect all individuals.

Before administering Pentacel vaccine, please see accompanying full Prescribing Information.

This page last updated 04.17.2009

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