✅ Name:
DPT + Hib + Hepatitis B Vaccine (Pentavalent Vaccine – As Licensed)
(Commonly called: Pentavalent Vaccine)
📄 Description:
The Pentavalent vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against five serious childhood diseases:
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Tetanus
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis B
It contains inactivated bacterial toxins (toxoids), inactivated whole-cell or acellular pertussis components, purified Hib polysaccharide conjugated to a protein carrier, and recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen.
💊 Prescription/Use:
- Indication:
For active immunization of infants against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib infections, and hepatitis B. - Schedule (as per India’s Universal Immunization Program – UIP):
- 3 primary doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.
- May be followed by booster doses (for DPT and Hib) later as per local schedule.
- Route of Administration:
- Intramuscular (IM) injection, usually in the anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis).
- Dosage:
- 0.5 mL per dose
🔬 Nature:
- Type: Inactivated combination vaccine (bacterial toxoids and subunit proteins)
- Form:
- Liquid formulation or lyophilized Hib component requiring reconstitution with liquid DPT-Hep B combination
- Includes:
- Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids
- Whole-cell or acellular pertussis antigen
- Purified polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) from Hib conjugated to tetanus protein
- Recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen (r-HBsAg)
🌟 Advantages:
- Five vaccines in one – reduces the number of injections required.
- Improves compliance and vaccine coverage.
- Protects against life-threatening diseases in infancy and early childhood.
- Reduces the burden on immunization logistics and cold chain.
- Well tolerated and proven safe and effective in millions of infants worldwide.
📦 Common Packaging:
- Supplied in single-dose or multi-dose vials (liquid or lyophilized).
- For lyophilized versions, reconstitute just before use.
- Includes product insert, vial(s), and packaging label with expiry and lot number.
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated).
- Do not freeze.
- Discard if frozen, discolored, or containing particulate matter.
- Use reconstituted vaccine immediately or within 4–6 hours if maintained under cold conditions.
⚠️ Precautions:
- Do not administer in case of:
- Known hypersensitivity to any vaccine component.
- History of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose.
- Infants with progressive neurological disorders (in case of whole-cell pertussis).
- Postpone vaccination in moderate or severe acute illness (fever, infections).
- Shake well before use (if liquid suspension).
- Always check vaccine vial monitor (VVM) and expiry date.
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Mild fever, redness, swelling, or pain at injection site is common — usually resolves in 1–2 days.
- Use paracetamol drops or syrup as advised by the healthcare provider for fever.
- Watch for excessive crying, drowsiness, or irritability after vaccination — these are usually self-limited.
- Seek medical help immediately for high fever, seizures, or signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).
- Complete all scheduled doses for full protection.
- Keep the immunization card updated and carry it for every vaccination visit.