Vaccine-Pentavalent

DTP-HepB-Hib vaccine (Pentavalent)

What is Hemophilus influenzae type B?

Hemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a bacterium that causes severe infections, including:

  • Bacterial meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain membrane);
  • Infection of the lungs (pneumonia);
  • Spread of pathogenic bacteria in the blood (septicemia);
  • Joint infection (septic arthritis);
  • Inflammation of the epiglottis (the area around the vocal cords) and airway obstruction.

Does Hemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) cause flu?

No. Despite the name similarity, it should be noted that the cause of the flu is a virus of the same name, but Hemophilus influenza is caused by a bacteria.

How does Hib infection spread?

Hemophilus influenza virus spreads to another child through droplets of a child's saliva when he/she coughs or sneezes. Also, infections spread among children with common toys and other items they put to their mouths.

Who is susceptible to Hib infection and is more at risk?

Haemophilus influenza mostly affects children under 5 years of age. Children aged 4-18 months are more at risk.

Until what age is it possible to prescribe pentavalent vaccine for children?

The pentavalent vaccine can be prescribed for children aged 2 to 59 months.

If a 12 to59-month child has received no vaccine, how should he/she receive pentavalent vaccine?

At the first visit, DTP-HepB-Hib vaccine (Pentavalent) is prescribed. One month after the first visit, DPT and hepatitis B vaccines are prescribed. Three months after the second visit (four months after the first injection of vaccine), DPT and hepatitis B vaccines are re-prescribed.

What are the side effects of Pentavalent vaccine?

This vaccine does not cause severe side effects. Of course, similar to DPT vaccine, redness, swelling, pain in the injection site and fever may occur. These symptoms may occur on the same day, and they are usually disappear one to three days later.

What are the contraindications for DTP-HepB-Hib vaccine (Pentavalent)?

Severe and dangerous side effects after taking the pentavalent vaccine are very rare, but as with the DPT vaccine, if the child has a severe hypersensitivity reaction in the previous stages, the next dose should not be prescribed and received. If the child is prevented from receiving subsequent doses of this vaccine, during the next visits, he or she can receive DT, hepatitis B and Hib vaccines separately at the same time interval.

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