5-in-1 (Pediacel)

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio & Haemophilus influenzae type b

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Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.

The 5-in-1 vaccine protects against five diseases in one needle: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and haemophilus influenzae type b.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious disease that is caused by germs that infect the nose, throat or skin. It is passed to others through coughing and sneezing. It can cause serious problems with breathing and can also cause heart failure and nerve damage. It can kill one out of every 10 people who get the disease. Diphtheria has become a rare disease because of routine immunizations.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus (also called lockjaw) is caused by a germ. If you have a cut or skin wound that gets infected with the tetanus germ you may get tetanus. Tetanus germs are found everywhere, usually in soil, dust and manure. It does not spread from person to person. Tetanus usually causes cramping of the muscles in the neck, arms, legs and stomach, and painful convulsions that can be severe enough to break bones. Even with early treatment, tetanus kills two out of every 10 people who get it.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis (also called whooping cough) is a very contagious respiratory infection that can cause respiratory illness, outbreaks and even death. It is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. People with pertussis develop violent coughing spells that can lead to vomiting. The cough can last for two weeks or more. This disease is most severe among young infants.

Pertussis in adolescents and adults is increasing. This may be due to better recognition and diagnosis as well as decreasing protection from childhood immunization. Adolescents and adults with untreated pertussis are the most common source of infection for young, unimmunized or partially immunized infants.

What is polio?

Polio is a serious disease caused by the poliovirus. It can be spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The virus can also spread indirectly through feces. An infected person who does not properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom can spread the virus by touching another person, food, water or objects. The virus first causes infection in the throat and the intestinal tract. In some cases, the virus multiplies and spreads through the blood, infecting nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. If the nerve cell damage is severe, muscles can become weak or completely paralyzed. Some people die of polio, but it has become a rare disease because of routine immunizations.

What is haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)?

Despite its name, this disease is not the same as influenza or the flu. The Hib germ can cause meningitis and other serious infections. Meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid and lining that covers the spinal cord. It can cause brain damage, learning and developmental problems, deafness or blindness. The Hib germ spreads to others through coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing drinks and by touching contaminated objects. One out of 20 children with Hib meningitis can die. Serious disability (nerve damage, deafness) occurs in about 15% of those that get the infection.

The Hib germ can also cause a serious infection of the throat. This infection is called epiglottitis and it can make it difficult for a child to breathe. The Hib germ can also cause infection of the lungs (pneumonia), blood (bacteremia) and bone and joint infections.

Who should get the vaccine?

It is routinely given to children at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age. This vaccine is publicly funded (free) in Ontario.

Proof of vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and polio, or a valid exemption is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario.

How well does the vaccine work?

When given in the recommended schedule this vaccine protects over 99% against diphtheria, 99% against tetanus, 85% against pertussis, over 99% against polio and 99% against Hib.

No vaccine is 100% effective however, if someone does develop one of these diseases after receiving the vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.

Who should not get this vaccine?

A health care provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:

• Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
• Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past or who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:

Pediacel® contains: diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, acellular pertussis toxoid, inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (type 1, 2 and 3), haemophilus influenzae type b, aluminum phosphate, 2-phenoxyethanol, polysorbate 80, bovine serum albumin, neomycin, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, polymyxin B and streptomycin.

• Anyone over the age of 6 (past their 7th birthday).
• Anyone with a progressive neurological disorder.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

The 5-in-1 vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness, and swelling where the needle was given. Some children may get a fever, rash, lose their appetite or feel tired for a day or two after the needle. The pain may cause babies to cry and be irritable. Serious side effects are rare. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.

Is there an alternative to the vaccine?

There are no other treatments to prevent these diseases. If you become ill with one of these diseases you may develop immunity.

Covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of disease.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.

When should I seek medical attention?

Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of getting the vaccine:

• High fever (over 40C or 104F)
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Crying for several hours
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Any other unexpected effects

If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.

What else do I need to know?

After you or your child receive a vaccine, update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place. The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:

• Use the secure on-line form on our website (www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline)
• Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
• Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
• Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
• Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll-free)

A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.