Pentavalent Vaccine

The Pentavalent vaccine is a 5-in-1 combination vaccine with five individual vaccines conjugated into one. It protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B

KNOW THE FACTS … WHAT ARE THESE DISEASES?

DIPHTHERIA

  • Diphtheria is caused by a germ that enters the throat.
  • It develops and causes sore throat, fever and chills which can lead to difficult breathing, paralysis, heart failure and even death.
  • The germ is passed on to others as the person coughs or sneezes.

PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH)

  • Pertussis is caused by a germ that spreads through coughing and sneezing.
  • It infects the mouth, throat and nose, and causes violent spells of coughing with a “whoop” at the end.
  • The child has difficulty in breathing, eating and drinking. Serious problems of the Lungs (Pneumonia) and Fits can occur, and lead to death.

HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B

  • Haemophilus Influenzae Type B is a serious disease caused by a germ that lives in the mouth and throat.
  • It spreads through coughing and sneezing, and affects the Lungs and Brain which can end in death.
  • Some children who do not seem ill can still pass the germ on to others.

HEPATITIS B

  • Hepatitis B is caused by a germ that infects the Liver.
  • It can spread through the blood of an infected mother to her baby, sexual intercourse, and other blood to blood contacts.
  • Many children may not show the usual signs of jaundice, loss of appetite, or feeling tired, although their Liver is affected. It can cause death.

TETANUS (LOCK JAW)

  • Tetanus germs are usually found in the soil, dust and manure.
  • The germs enter the body through a cut or break in the skin, no matter how small.
  • It causes painful stiffening of the muscles, and “locking” of the jaw that makes it difficult to open the mouth and to swallow. Death can occur.

These diseases can be easily spread from person to person at home, school, day care centres or nurseries, and in other crowded places.

Who can get the vaccine?

Every child must get 3 doses of the Pentavalent Vaccine for full protection.

1st dose – 6 weeks old
2nd dose – 3 months old
3rd dose – 6 months old

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes, the Vaccine is safe. There may be a few mild side effects such as mild fever, redness and pain in the leg where the vaccine is given, and fussiness. If side effects occur, take the child back to the health centre or doctor.

Remember…

Keep your child’s appointment at your health centre or doctor to continue his/her immunizations. Keep your child’s Child Health & Development Passport (or Immunization Card) clean and in a safe place, and bring it each time you take your child for vaccination.