The pentavalent vaccine is a vaccine that provides active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b., Preventing the onset of these diseases. This vaccine was created with the aim of reducing the number of injections, because it has several antigens in its composition simultaneously, which allow to prevent different diseases.
The pentavalent vaccine should be administered to children from 2 months of age, up to a maximum of 7 years of age. Consult the vaccination plan and clarify other questions about vaccines.
How to use
The vaccine should be administered in 3 doses, at 60-day intervals, starting at 2 months of age. Reinforcements at 15 months and 4 years must be performed with the DTP vaccine, the maximum age for application of this vaccine is 7 years.
The vaccine must be administered intramuscularly, by a health professional.
What adverse reactions may occur
The most common adverse reactions that can occur with the administration of the pentavalent vaccine are pain, redness, swelling and induration of the place where the vaccine is applied and abnormal crying. Learn how to fight the adverse reactions of vaccines.
Although less frequently, vomiting, diarrhea and fever, changes in eating habits such as refusal to eat, drowsiness and irritability can also occur.
Who should not use
The pentavalent vaccine should not be administered to children over the age of 7 years, who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula or who, after the administration of the previous dose, have had a fever above 39ºC within 48 hours after vaccination, seizures up to 72 hours after vaccine administration, circulatory collapse within 48 hours after vaccine administration or encephalopathy within 7 days.
What precautions to take
This vaccine should be administered with caution to people with thrombocytopenia or clotting disorders, because after intramuscular administration, bleeding may occur. In these cases, the healthcare professional should administer the vaccine with a fine needle, then press for at least 2 minutes.
If the child has a moderate or severe acute febrile illness, vaccination should be postponed and he should only be vaccinated when the symptoms of the illness have disappeared.
In people with immunodeficiency or who are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or taking corticosteroids, they may have a reduced immune response.
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