Pentavac PFS

Description

PENTAVAC PFS is a pentavalent vaccine containing Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoids, inactivated whooping cough (Pertussis) organisms, recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hib component as a bacterial subunit vaccine containing highly purified, non-infectious Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) capsular polysaccharide chemically conjugated to a protein (Tetanus Toxoid).

This combination vaccine is administered for active immunization against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b infections (meningitis, septicaemia, cellulitis, arthritis, epiglottitis, etc). PENTAVAC PFS does not prevent Hepatitis caused by other agents different from HBV (as virus A, C and E). Hib vaccine does not protect against disease due to other types of H.influenzae nor against meningitis caused by other organisms.

The combined vaccine can be given safely and effectively at the same time as BCG, MMR, Measles and Polio vaccines (OPV and IPV), Yellow fever vaccines and Vitamin A supplementation.

Immunization guideline:

PENTAVAC PFS should NOT be used for the birth dose. For active immunization of infants and preschool children, it is recommended that three intramuscular injections of 0.5 ml be administered at 6,10 and 14 weeks schedule following the birth dose of Hep B. A booster dose of DTP and Hib should be given at the age of 15-18 months. A reinforcing injection of DTP should be administered at 5 years of age (i.e. at the time of school entry). IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that wherever combination vaccines are available they can be substituted for monovalent formulations in the national immunisation schedule wherever indicated.

For latest IAP updates see revised immunization schedule.

Additional information

vaccine-type

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (whole cell)-Hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae type b

manufacturer

Serum Institute of India Ltd.

country-of-manufacture

India

pharmaceutical-form

Liquid, Lyophilized

package-size

1 Dose

route-of-administration

Intramuscular

preservative

Thiomersal

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine or immediate anaphylactic reaction associated with a previous dose. It is a contraindication to administer the vaccine in the presence of any evolving neurological condition. Encephalopathy after a previous dose is a contraindication to further use. Immunization should be deferred during the cause of an acute illness. Vaccination of infants and children with severe, febrile illness should generally be deferred until recovery. However, the presence of minor illnesses such as mild upper respiratory infections with or without low grade fever is not a contraindication for further use.