Raise Your Hand If You Have A Question

How safe is Pentacel vaccine?
The safety of Pentacel vaccine was established in clinical trials in more than 5000 infants 2-18 months of age who received at least 1 dose.1 As of February, 2011, more than 23 million doses have been administered.4

What are the side effects of Pentacel vaccine?
The most common side effects include injection site redness, swelling, and tenderness; fever, fussiness, and crying.1

What is the recommended age for my child to receive Pentacel vaccine?
Pentacel vaccine is given at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months of age.1 Children who have completed the 4-dose series with Pentacel vaccine should receive a fifth dose of DTaP at 4-6 years of age.3

Are combination vaccines as effective as individual vaccines?
Studies have shown that vaccines are as effective in combination as they are individually, and that such combinations carry no greater risk for adverse side effects.2 Consequently, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) generally prefer combination vaccines.2,5

What are the benefits of using Pentacel vaccine versus individual vaccines?
Pentacel vaccine offers a variety of benefits over individual vaccines. Because it combines 5 vaccines into 1, it reduces the number of shots needed to help protect your child from these diseases.1,2 Pentacel vaccine may also help ensure your child stays on track with the recommended immunization schedule.2,6 This means your child is getting protection, and possibly fewer tears along the way.2

Can I enroll my child in school without vaccination against these diseases?
Each state has its own set of rules and guidelines for vaccinations. It's important to consult your child's school to ensure that s/he has all the necessary vaccines required for enrollment.

How important is it to follow the recommended immunization schedule?
It's important to stick to the immunization schedule because if your baby gets delayed on one shot, it causes a domino effect, extending the time your child remains at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.2,7

I know some of these diseases can be widespread outside of the US. If I'm not planning to travel overseas with my child, is there a risk of becoming infected?
We live in a global society. If someone with one of these serious diseases enters your community and your child is not vaccinated, s/he could be at risk for contracting these potentially life-threatening diseases.8

What are the risks of not vaccinating my child?
The diseases that Pentacel vaccine helps prevent still exist and can have dangerous, and sometimes even potentially fatal consequences should your child become infected.8

Indication
Pentacel vaccine is given as a 4-dose series to children 6 weeks through 4 years of age (prior to fifth birthday) to help prevent diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and infections (eg, meningitis) caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Safety Information
Side effects to Pentacel vaccine include injection site redness, swelling, and tenderness; fever, fussiness, and crying. Other side effects may occur. Tell the doctor if your child has ever experienced a severe brain disorder, such as encephalopathy (altered consciousness), Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness), or if side effects occurred following a previous dose of pertussis-containing vaccine.

There is a small risk of allergic reactions. Some signs of allergic reactions are hives, swelling of the throat, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and shock. If your child begins experiencing any of these signs seek treatment right away. These reactions are rare and usually occur before leaving the doctor's office. If you notice any other problems or symptoms following vaccination, please contact your child's health-care professional promptly. Vaccination with Pentacel vaccine may not protect all people receiving the vaccine.

Please talk to your health-care provider for more information.

Learn more about Pentacel vaccine. Find all the details in the Pentacel vaccine Prescribing Information.

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