Pediacel Vaccine

Vaccines are the best way to protect against very serious infections. The Canadian Paediatric Society and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization strongly recommends routine immunization.

DTaP-IPV-Hib (brand name Pediacel) is a five-in-one needle. It protects children against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and serious diseases like meningitis caused by the Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae type B) germ. Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario (unless exempted).

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis is commonly known as whooping cough, and is a serious disease, especially in children. Children who get this disease have spells of violent coughing, which can cause them to vomit or stop breathing for a short period of time. The cough can last for weeks and make it hard for a child to eat, drink, or even breathe. Pertussis can cause serious complications. Pneumonia can occur in more than one in five children with pertussis. It can also cause brain damage and death. These problems happen most often in babies. Pertussis spreads very easily from an infected person to others through coughing or sneezing.

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious disease of the nose, throat, and skin. It causes sore throat, fever, and chills. It can be complicated by breathing problems, heart failure, and nerve damage. Diphtheria kills one out of every ten people who get the disease. It is passed to others through coughing and sneezing.

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus is commonly known as lockjaw, and is a serious disease that can happen if dirt with the tetanus germ gets into a cut in the skin. Tetanus germs are found everywhere, usually in soil, dust, or manure. It does not spread from person to person. Tetanus causes cramping of the muscles in the neck, arms, legs, and stomach, and painful convulsions which can be severe enough to break bones. Even with early treatment, tetanus kills 2 out of every 10 people who get it.

What is Polio?

Polio is a dangerous disease that people can get from drinking water or eating food with the polio germ in it. This disease can cause nerve damage and paralyze a person for life. It can paralyze muscles used for breathing, talking, eating, and walking. It can also cause death.

What is Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)?

Even though "influenzae" is a part of its name, the Hib germ does not cause influenza. Hib infections are much more serious. Before the Hib vaccine was used, the Hib germ was a common cause of serious infections in children. More than half of all children with Hib infection developed meningitis. Meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid and lining that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can cause brain damage, learning and developmental problems, deafness, and blindness. One out of 20 children with meningitis can die.

Hib germ also causes a serious infection of the throat near the voice box. This infection is called epiglottitis. This can make it difficult for the child to breathe. Hib germ can also cause infection of the lungs (pneumonia) and bone and joint infections.

Children under 5 years are more likely to get Hib disease. Children who attend child care centres are even more likely to catch it. Hib germ spreads to others through coughing and sneezing. Many people carry the Hib germ without any signs or symptoms of disease, but they can pass it on to others.

At what age should my child be vaccinated with the DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine?

Your child should have the first needle at 2 months of age, then again at 4 months, 6 months, and 18 months. A booster of tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio vaccine is also given between 4 and 6 years of age. Another booster against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis is given 10 years later, usually between the ages of 14 to 16 years old. 

What if my child misses this needle?

Your child should get the needle as soon as possible. Your doctor will tell you when to come back for the other needles. If your child did not get the first needle at 2 months of age, your doctor will recommend a special "catch-up" schedule.

Is the DtaP-IPV-Hib vaccine safe?

Yes. Serious side effects are rare. Mild pain, swelling, and redness for a few days are common at the spot where the needle was given. Some children get a fever, rash, lose their appetite, or are fussy or drowsy for a day or two after the needle. Your doctor may suggest that you give your child a medicine called acetaminophen to prevent pain and fever.

There is no risk of a pregnant woman or anyone else catching any disease from a child who has been vaccinated recently.

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if your child has any of the following within three days of getting the needle:

• high fever (over 40°C or 104°F),
• crying for more than three hours,
• convulsions or seizures,
• very pale colour and serious drowsiness,
• hives,
• swelling of the face or mouth,
• trouble breathing, or
• other serious problems.

Who should NOT get the DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine?

The doctor may decide not to give your child's needle or may give a different vaccine if your child has:

• a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold,
• a severe allergy to an antibiotic called neomycin, polymyxin B, or Streptomycin
• a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine, or
• a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine.

Who should I talk to if I have any more questions about the DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine?

Talk to your doctor or call KFL&A Public Health for more information.

Your record of protection

After your child receives any immunization, make sure the doctor updates your personal immunization record such as the "Yellow Card." Keep it in a safe place.

From: Queen's Printer for Ontario - last modified: March, 2002

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/immun/cpdt.html

Revised: 2016-04-22