Pediacel

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Template:Infobox vaccine

Pediacel is a combination vaccine used to protect against five serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, and infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It is commonly administered to children as part of routine immunization schedules.

Composition[edit | edit source]

Pediacel is a pentavalent vaccine, meaning it targets five different pathogens. It contains:

  • Diphtheria toxoid
  • Tetanus toxoid
  • Acellular pertussis antigens
  • Inactivated poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus protein

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Pediacel works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the antigens present in the vaccine. These antibodies provide protection by neutralizing the pathogens if the vaccinated individual is exposed to them in the future.

Diphtheria and Tetanus[edit | edit source]

The diphtheria and tetanus components are toxoids, which are inactivated toxins that induce immunity without causing disease. The immune system recognizes these toxoids and mounts a response that protects against the actual toxins produced by the bacteria.

Pertussis[edit | edit source]

The acellular pertussis component contains purified antigens from the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. These antigens include pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, and pertactin, which are important for inducing immunity against whooping cough.

Poliomyelitis[edit | edit source]

The poliovirus component is inactivated, meaning the virus is killed and cannot cause disease. It includes all three serotypes of poliovirus, providing comprehensive protection against poliomyelitis.

Haemophilus influenzae type b[edit | edit source]

The Hib component is a polysaccharide conjugated to a protein carrier, which enhances the immune response in young children. This conjugation is crucial for inducing a strong and long-lasting immune response.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Pediacel is indicated for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b in children from 6 weeks to 4 years of age.

Administration[edit | edit source]

Pediacel is administered intramuscularly, typically in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh in infants and the deltoid muscle in older children. The primary series consists of three doses given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 18 months.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

Pediacel should not be administered to individuals with a known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine or to individuals who have experienced a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of a vaccine containing similar components.

Adverse Reactions[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of Pediacel include:

  • Local reactions at the injection site (pain, redness, swelling)
  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of appetite

Serious adverse reactions are rare but may include:

  • Anaphylaxis
  • Seizures
  • Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes

Storage[edit | edit source]

Pediacel should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and should not be frozen. Exposure to freezing temperatures can reduce the vaccine's effectiveness.

See Also[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD