Pentacel Vaccine

The new Pentacel vaccine is the best protection your child can have against these five childhood diseases:

The new Pentacel vaccine differs from the old vaccine because it has an improved whooping cough component that has fewer side effects but provides the same or better protection from whooping cough.

Vaccine Schedule for Infants and Children

The Vaccine series is given in one needle at the following ages:

  • 2 months

  • 4 months

  • 6 months

  • 18 months

  • 4 to 6 years (except Haemophilus influenzae type b)

Protection is best if your child has the whole series at the recommended ages, but it is never too late to start.

Boosters of tetanus, diphtheria and Pertussis (called TdaP vaccine) are recommended every 10 years.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects your child may have are:

  • fever;

  • crankiness;

  • some swelling and soreness in the area where they get their needle; or

  • a small, painless lump where needle was given.

Side effects that should be reported to your health care provider (i.e. nurse,doctor) are:

  • a high fever;

  • convulsions;

  • an inconsolable high pitch cry that lasts for several hours;

  • shock (pale, limp and non responsive); or

  • an allergic reaction (hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or mouth).

Note: These more severe side-effects are very rare and will not cause permanent damage.

 
The benefits from these vaccines far outweigh the very small risks associated with them if we compare them with the frequency of severe complications from natural infection.

 

Fever, pain and other minor reactions, can be reduced by giving the child acetaminophen (Tempra, Tylenol, etc.) at the time of the needle and again 4 hours later. Ask your health care provider about this.

 

Last Updated: November 08, 2006

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