Parents need to know the risks of infectious diseases

Vaccines help protect children from contracting potentially life-threatening diseases.24 To maximize effectiveness of vaccination, 85% to 95% of the population must be immunized.24

There are risks associated with infectious diseases:

Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) can be a severe illness, resulting in prolonged coughing spells that can last for many weeks or even months. Following widespread immunization, incidence of the disease has decreased more than 80%.16 In 2009, there were more than 16,000 reported cases of pertussis in the United States and 12 infants less than 3 months of age died unnecessarily.15 Children who are not vaccinated against pertussis, or who do not receive at least 3 doses of vaccine on time, have the highest risk of acquiring the infection.25

Diphtheria is a serious toxin-mediated bacterial disease that is frequently complicated with myocarditis and neuritis. The death rate is 5% to 10%, with increased death rates (up to 20%) in the very young and people over the age of 40. Thanks to immunization, rates of diphtheria have declined dramatically.26

Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a severe disease that causes stiffness and spasms of the muscles and is often fatal. Routine immunization with tetanus toxoid containing vaccines reduced the incidence of tetanus dramatically. The majority of reported cases in the United States occur among adults who have not had a booster in the preceding 10 years.27

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) was once the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants and children in the United States. Invasive Hib disease can result in serious complications including deafness, seizures, or mental retardation. Since the introduction of conjugate Hib vaccine, the incidence of Hib has declined by 98%.28

Poliomyelitis (or polio) is caused by polioviruses and is transmitted person-to-person via the fecal-oral or oral-oral route. Immunization has eliminated the disease in the United States. However, wild polioviruses still circulate in several countries in the world and polio-free countries are at risk for reintroduction as a result of the ease of global travel.29,30

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.