​Mixed Sequences of Pentacel and other DTaP-containing Vaccines

​Pentacel, DAPTACEL (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed), Quadracel (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine), and VAXELIS (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis, Inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus b Conjugate and Hepatitis B Vaccine) contain the same pertussis antigens manufactured by the same process. The amount of each of the pertussis antigens is the same in Pentacel, Quadracel, and VAXELIS. Pentacel contains twice the amount of detoxified pertussis toxin (PT) and four times the amount of filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) as DAPTACEL.

​Pentacel may be used as the fourth dose in the 5-dose DTaP series in children who have received a 3-dose series of VAXELIS [See Clinical Studies (14)].

​Pentacel may be used to complete the first 4 doses of the 5-dose DTaP series in infants and children who have received 1 or more doses of DAPTACEL and are also scheduled to receive the other antigens of Pentacel.

​Children who have completed a 4-dose series with Pentacel should receive a fifth dose of DTaP vaccine using DAPTACEL or Quadracel at 4-6 years of age. (1) (2)

Data are not available on the safety and effectiveness of using mixed sequences of Pentacel and DTaP vaccine from different manufacturers.

Mixed Sequences of Pentacel and IPV Vaccine

Pentacel may be used in infants and children who have received 1 or more doses of another licensed IPV vaccine and are scheduled to receive the antigens of Pentacel. However, data are not available on the safety and immunogenicity of Pentacel in such infants and children.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the final dose in the 4-dose IPV series be administered at age ≥4 years. (3) When Pentacel is administered at ages 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, an additional booster dose of IPV vaccine should be administered at age 4-6 years, resulting in a 5-dose IPV series. (3)

Mixed Sequences of Pentacel and Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine

Pentacel may be used to complete the vaccination series in infants and children previously vaccinated with one or more doses of Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (either separately administered or as part of another combination vaccine), who are also scheduled to receive the other antigens of Pentacel. However, data are not available on the safety and immunogenicity of Pentacel in such infants and children. If different brands of Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccines are administered to complete the series, three primary immunizing doses are needed, followed by a booster dose.

The package contains a vial of the DTaP-IPV component and a vial of lyophilized ActHIB vaccine component.

Before use, thoroughly but gently shake the vial of DTaP-IPV component, withdraw the entire liquid content and inject into the vial of the lyophilized ActHIB vaccine component. Gently swirl the vial now containing Pentacel until a cloudy, uniform, white to off-white (yellow tinge) suspension results.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. If these conditions exist, Pentacel should not be administered.

Withdraw and administer a single 0.5 mL dose of Pentacel intramuscularly. Pentacel should be used immediately after reconstitution. Discard unused portion. Refer to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Pentacel: Instructions for Reconstitution of ActHIB Vaccine Component with DTaP-IPV Component

In infants younger than 1 year, the anterolateral aspect of the thigh provides the largest muscle and is the preferred site of injection. In older children, the deltoid muscle is usually large enough for injection. The vaccine should not be injected into the gluteal area or areas where there may be a major nerve trunk.

Do not administer this product intravenously or subcutaneously.

Pentacel should not be mixed in the same syringe with other parenteral products.