Diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae type B, pertussis, polio, and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria or virus.

Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Haemophilus B bacteria can infect the lungs or throat, and can also spread to the blood, bones, joints, brain, or spinal cord. It can cause breathing problems or meningitis, and these infections can be fatal.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe long-lasting episodes of cough that can interfere with eating, drinking, or breathing. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.

Polio affects the central nervous system and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. Polio can be fatal if it paralyzes muscles that help you breathe.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth, swallow, or breathe. Tetanus can lead to death.

Diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, and polio are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

The DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccine is used to help prevent these diseases in children who are ages 6 weeks through 4 years (before the 5th birthday). This vaccine helps your child's body develop immunity to these diseases, but will not treat an active infection the child already has.

Like any vaccine, the DTaP-IPV/Hib may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Becoming infected with diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, polio, or tetanus is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

This vaccine is given in a series of shots. The first shot is usually given when the child is 2 months old. The booster shots are then given at 4 months, 6 months, and 15 to 18 months of age.

Your child's booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has:

• a history of life-threatening allergic reaction to a vaccine containing diphtheria, haemophilus B, tetanus, pertussis, or polio;

• a history of decreased consciousness, seizures, or coma within 7 days after receiving a pertussis vaccine; or

• a progressive or untreated nervous system problem or brain disorder (such as infantile spasms or uncontrolled epilepsy).

Your child may not be able to receive this vaccine if he or she has ever received a pertussis vaccine that caused:

• within 48 hours after the vaccine--a very high fever (over 104 degrees), excessive crying for 3 hours or longer, fainting or going into shock; or

• within 3 days after the vaccine--a seizure.

Tell the vaccination provider if your child has ever had:

• seizures;

• chemotherapy or radiation;

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);

• Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks after receiving a tetanus vaccine; or

• if the child was born prematurely.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

Contact your doctor if you will miss a booster dose or if you get behind schedule. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to start over.

Be sure your child receives all recommended doses of this vaccine, or the child may not be fully protected against disease.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if your child has signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your child should not receive a booster vaccine if he or she had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot. Keep track of all side effects your child has. If the child receives a booster dose, tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, polio, or tetanus is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is low.

Call your doctor at once if the child has:

• irritability, crying for an hour or longer;

• very high fever; or

• extreme drowsiness, fainting.

You may be able to treat fever or pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others). Follow the label directions or your vaccination provider's instructions.

It is especially important to prevent fever from occurring in a child who has a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

Common side effects of diphtheria, haemophilus B, pertussis, polio, tetanus vaccine may include:

• low fever, mild fussiness; or

• redness, pain, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

The vaccine may not work as well if your child receives drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine;

• cancer treatments;

• medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or

• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.