Tetanus toxoid
Purified diphtheria
Inactivated whooping cough (pertusis)
Hib component as a bacteria sub-unit vaccine containing highly purified non-infectious Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
Highly purified non-infectious particles of hepatitis B surface antigen.
Indication
It is recommended for the active immunization of infants at or above the age of 6 weeks of birth up to kids 6 years of age against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenza type b. This combined vaccine should be started as soon as possible with the first dose given as early as 6 weeks and two subsequent doses given at 4 weeks interval. If pentavalent is given at the same time as other vaccines, it should be given at a separate site. It should not be mixed in the vial or syringe with any other vaccine unless it is approved for use as a combined product.
Dosage and Dose
For active immunization of infants and pre-school children, it is recommended that 3 intra-muscular injections of 0.5mls be administered with an interval of 4 weeks between doses. A booster dose of pentavalent vaccine can be given at the age of 15-18 months.
Administration
The liquid vaccine vial should be shaken before use to blend the suspension. The vaccine should be injected intramuscularly in the anterolateral aspect of the upper thigh or into the deltoid muscles. It should not be injected subcutaneously or intravenously. When it is opened, multi dose vials should be kept within +2°C and +8°C.
Contra-indications
Known hypersensitivity to any to any component of the vaccine or a severe response to the previous dose of the combined vaccine or any of its constituents is a complete contraindication to following doses of the specific vaccine known to have provoked an adverse reaction. Adrenaline injection (1:1000) must be available should an anaphylactic reaction occur due to any component of the vaccine. As with the use of all vaccines, the vaccine should remain under observation for at least 30 minutes for likelihood of occurrence of immediate or early allergic reaction.
Adverse reaction
The side effect of pentavalent vaccine includes edema, urticaria, warmth, rash, local redness and systemic reaction such as nausea, headache, fever etc.
Immune deficiency
Individuals infected with the HIV (human immune deficiency virus) both indicative and asymptomatic should be immunized with combined vaccine according to standard schedules.