References:


  1. Pentacel vaccine [Prescribing Information]. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi Pasteur Inc.; 2009.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Frequently asked questions about multiple vaccinations and the immune system. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/multiplevaccines.html. Accessed June 17, 2011.
  3. CDC. Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 6 years-United States, 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm. Accessed March 15, 2011.
  4. Sanofi Pasteur Inc. Data on file (North American sales through 12/5/2009), December 2009. MKT18811.
  5. CDC. Combination vaccines for childhood immunization. MMWR 1999;48(RR-5):1-14.
  6. Happe LE, Lunacsek OE, Marshall GS, Lewis T, Spencer S. Combination vaccine use and vaccination quality in a managed care population. Am J Manag Care. 2007;13(9):506-512.
  7. Luman ET, McCauley MM, Stokley S, Chu SY, Pickering LK. Timeliness of childhood immunizations. Pediatrics. 2002;110(5):935-939.
  8. CDC. What would happen if we stopped vaccinations? http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/whatifstop.htm. Accessed March 15, 2011.
  9. CDC. Vaccines and preventable diseases: pertussis whooping cough vaccination. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/default.htm. Accessed March 15, 2011.
  10. American Academy of Pediatrics. Pertussis. In: Pickering LK, Baker CJ, Long SS, McMillan JA, eds. Red Book: 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 27th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2006:498-520.
  11. CDC. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hib.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2011.
  12. CDC. Tetanus. In: Atkinson W, Wolfe C, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, eds. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. 11th ed. Washington, DC: Public Health Foundation, 2009:273-282.
  13. CDC. Vaccines and preventable diseases: diphtheria in-short. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/diphtheria/in-short-both.htm. Accessed March 15, 2011.
  14. CDC. Disease listing - diphtheria. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/diptheria_t.htm. Accessed March 15, 2011.
  15. CDC. Vaccines and preventable diseases: diphtheria vaccination. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/diphtheria/default.htm. Accessed March 15, 2011.
  16. CDC. Vaccines and preventable diseases: polio in short. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/polio/in-short-both.htm. Accessed March 15, 2011.
  17. American Academy of Pediatrics. Summaries of infectious diseases: poliovirus infections. In: Pickering LK, Baker CJ, Long SS, McMillan JA, eds. Red Book: 2006 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases: 27th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2006:542:547.
  18. Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Polio and prevention. http://www.polioeradication.org/Polioandprevention.aspx. Accessed May 20, 2011.

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.