Pertussis and invasive Hib disease continue to be a threat

Fact: Almost 17,000 pertussis cases were reported in the United States in 200915

In 2009, 12 infants younger than 3 months of age died of pertussis and its complications.15

This figure illustrates that the highest incidence of pertussis is among children younger than 6 months of age.

•	Infants younger than 6 months of age who are not fully vaccinated still have the highest reported rate of pertussis15
•	30% of the cases reported in 2009 were in children 6 months to 4 years of age15
•	Infants are at the highest risk for hospitalization and complications from pertussis, which can include pneumonia, seizures, brain swelling, and even death16
•	Results from a study of 616 reported cases of infant pertussis show siblings were responsible for transmission in 20% of cases where a source could be identified17

Fact: The incidence of Hib disease has declined more than 95% in the United States since 199018

In the United States, conjugate vaccines were licensed for infants in 1990 and for children younger than 5 years of age in 1987. Since then, rates of Hib disease among children younger than 5 years of age have declined by more than 95%.

•	Hib bacteria can cause invasive diseases, including meningitis, pneumonia, occult febrile bacteremia, epiglottitis, cellulitis, otitis media, and purulent pericarditis18
•	As many as 20% of patients who survive Hib disease have long-term sequelae18
•	The incidence of Hib disease in infants and young children has decreased by 95% compared with the prevaccine era18

a CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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 as a 4-dose series 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 the full Prescribing Information.

Pentacel vaccine is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Limited and Sanofi Pasteur SA and distributed by Sanofi Pasteur Inc.