Pentaxim is a 5-in-1 acellular combination vaccine by Sanofi Pasteur. A single 0.5 mL intramuscular dose protects your child against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) and all three types of Poliomyelitis. Unlike older whole-cell DTP vaccines, Pentaxim uses purified acellular pertussis antigens — resulting in significantly fewer side effects and better tolerability, making it the preferred choice in modern IAP immunisation schedules.
🛡️ 5 Diseases Pentaxim Protects Against
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Diphtheria
Bacterial infection forming a thick grey membrane in the throat, causing airway blockage, heart failure and nerve damage. Highly fatal in unvaccinated children under 5.
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Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Clostridium tetani toxin causes severe muscle spasms, jaw locking and respiratory failure. No cure exists — vaccination is the only effective prevention.
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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Extremely contagious — causes violent coughing "whoops." Deadly for infants under 6 months. Can cause pneumonia, brain damage, or death. Pentaxim uses 2 purified antigens (PT + FHA).
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Poliomyelitis (All 3 Types)
Viral disease causing permanent paralysis. Pentaxim covers Type 1 (Mahoney) – 40 DU, Type 2 (MEF-1) – 8 DU, Type 3 (Saukett) – 32 DU. All produced on VERO cells.
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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis and other invasive disease in young children. Pentaxim's Hib component (PRP polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus protein, ~10 µg) provides protection not included in the 4-in-1 DTaP-IPV vaccine.
ℹ️ Why Acellular Pertussis (aP)? Pentaxim uses only purified Pertussis Toxoid (25 µg) + Filamentous Haemagglutinin (25 µg) — NOT the whole bacterium. This means significantly fewer fever episodes, less injection-site swelling, and better tolerability vs older DTwP.
🔬 Pentaxim Composition – Per 0.5 mL Dose
As per Sanofi Pasteur manufacturer label. Each prefilled syringe (0.5 mL) contains:
Component
Quantity
Notes
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Diphtheria Toxoid
≥ 30 IU
Adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide
Tetanus Toxoid
≥ 40 IU
Adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide
Pertussis Toxoid (PT)
25 µg
Acellular — purified antigen
Filamentous Haemagglutinin (FHA)
25 µg
Acellular — purified antigen
Poliovirus Type 1 (Mahoney) – Inactivated
40 DU
Produced on VERO cells
Poliovirus Type 2 (MEF-1) – Inactivated
8 DU
Produced on VERO cells
Poliovirus Type 3 (Saukett) – Inactivated
32 DU
Produced on VERO cells
Haemophilus influenzae type b Polysaccharide (PRP)
10 µg
Conjugated to Tetanus Protein carrier; supplied as lyophilised powder, reconstituted with the DTaP-IPV suspension before injection
ADJUVANT & EXCIPIENTS
Aluminium hydroxide, hydrated
0.3 mg Al³⁺
Adjuvant (boosts immune response)
Phenoxyethanol
2.5 µl
Preservative
Ethanol anhydrous
2.5 µl
Solvent
Formaldehyde solution
10 µg
Trace inactivating agent
Medium 199 Hanks 10xC (without phenol red)
0.05 ml
Culture medium
Sucrose
Traces
Stabiliser for the lyophilised Hib component
Acetic acid / Sodium hydroxide
Trace
pH adjustment
Water for injection
Up to 0.5 mL
Vehicle
DU = D-antigen unit. IU values are lower confidence limits (p=0.95). Mean values used for Poliovirus antigens.
As per Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) 2024 immunisation guidelines for India:
Dose
Age
Vaccine
Site
Primary 1
6 Weeks
Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV/Hib)
Anterolateral thigh IM
Primary 2
10 Weeks
Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV/Hib)
Anterolateral thigh IM
Primary 3
14 Weeks
Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV/Hib)
Anterolateral thigh IM
⭐ Booster 1
16–18 Months
Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV/Hib) ← preferred
Anterolateral thigh IM
Booster 2
4–6 Years
Tdap / DTaP (pre-school)
Deltoid IM
⚠️ Important: Pentaxim is used for both the primary series (6, 10, 14 weeks) and the 16–18 month booster, giving 5-in-1 protection including Hib in every shot. Since Pentaxim does not contain Hepatitis B, your paediatrician may advise a separate Hepatitis B dose alongside it. Always consult your paediatrician for a personalised schedule. Do not interchange brands without medical advice.
⚙️ How Does Pentaxim Work?
1
Antigen Injection into Muscle
Pentaxim is injected into the anterolateral thigh. It delivers purified toxoids (Diphtheria & Tetanus), acellular Pertussis proteins (PT & FHA), inactivated Poliovirus (all 3 types), and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polysaccharide conjugate in a single reconstituted 0.5 mL dose.
2
Aluminium Adjuvant Effect
Aluminium hydroxide (0.3 mg Al³⁺) acts as an adjuvant — slowing antigen release and activating innate immune pathways. This creates a depot effect, giving the immune system more time to respond strongly.
3
Antibody & Memory Cell Production
The immune system recognises each antigen and produces specific IgG antibodies against Diphtheria toxin, Tetanus toxin, Pertussis proteins, all 3 Polio serotypes, and the Hib polysaccharide. Memory B-cells and T-cells are generated simultaneously.
4
Long-Lasting Protection
Peak antibody levels develop within 2–4 weeks. Booster doses at 16–18 months and 4–6 years maintain high protective titres. Acellular pertussis is gentler — fewer fever episodes and injection-site reactions vs older DTP.
⚠️ Pentaxim Side Effects – What to Expect
Pentaxim (acellular formulation) has fewer adverse reactions than older whole-cell DTP vaccines. Most effects are mild and self-limiting.
🟡 Common (Expected, Mild)
Pain, redness or swelling at injection site
Low-grade fever (<38.5°C)
Irritability / prolonged crying
Drowsiness or restlessness
Temporary loss of appetite
🔴 Rare – Seek Medical Attention
✗High fever (>39°C)
✗Prolonged crying >3 hours
✗Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode
✗Febrile seizure (very rare)
✗Anaphylaxis (extremely rare)
💡 Post-vaccination care: Apply a clean cold cloth (not ice) to the injection site. Paracetamol may be given as per your paediatrician's advice for fever. Observe the child for 30 minutes post-vaccination. Our VacciHub nurses monitor the child before leaving.
⚖️ Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV/Hib) vs Whole-Cell DTP (DTwP) – Comparison
Why most paediatricians now prefer acellular pertussis vaccines like Pentaxim:
Feature
Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV/Hib)
Whole-Cell DTwP + Separate Hib
Pertussis Component
✓ Acellular (purified PT + FHA)
Whole killed bacteria
Fever Risk Post-Dose
✓ Low
Higher — very common
Local Reactions
✓ Minimal swelling/pain
Frequent, can be significant
Polio Coverage
✓ All 3 types (IPV included)
Requires separate OPV drops
Hib Coverage
✓ Included — one shot (5-in-1)
Requires a separate Hib injection
Manufacturer
✓ Sanofi Pasteur (France)
Multiple manufacturers
IAP Recommendation
✓ Preferred for primary series & boosters
Acceptable alternative
Hospital Visits Needed
✓ Can be done at home
Typically clinic/hospital
Storage
2°C – 8°C
2°C – 8°C
🚫 Precautions & Contraindications
Do NOT give Pentaxim if:
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any prior DTaP, DT, Tdap or IPV dose
Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient (phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, aluminium)
Encephalopathy of unknown origin within 7 days of prior pertussis-containing vaccine
Unstable progressive neurological disorder or uncontrolled epilepsy
Known hypersensitivity to the Hib conjugate component (PRP–Tetanus protein)
Use with Caution – Consult Doctor First:
Acute febrile illness on vaccination day — defer until recovery
Previous febrile seizure or family history of seizures
Thrombocytopenia or coagulation disorders
Immunosuppressive therapy or confirmed HIV infection
Hypersensitivity to neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B (trace residuals possible)
⚠️ Always observe the child for at least 30 minutes after vaccination. VacciHub nurses carry emergency protocols and first-aid supplies during all home visits.
ℹ️ Note: Pentaxim does not protect against Hepatitis B. If your child’s schedule includes Hepatitis B, your paediatrician may recommend a separate Hepatitis B dose or a 6-in-1 hexavalent vaccine instead.
🏥 Why Book Pentaxim with VacciHub?
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Certified Nursing Staff
All vaccinations by trained, certified nurses with hands-on paediatric immunisation experience.
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Cold Chain Guaranteed
Vaccines transported in calibrated cold boxes maintaining 2°C–8°C throughout delivery. Potency preserved.
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100% Genuine Sanofi
Sourced directly from authorised distributors. Batch numbers verifiable. Zero counterfeit risk.
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Comfort of Home
No waiting rooms, no hospital queues. Baby stays calm in familiar surroundings. Stress-free experience.
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Digital Vaccination Record
Complete vaccination history maintained digitally. Post-visit report shared on WhatsApp.
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Flexible Timing
Morning to evening slots, including Saturdays & Sundays. Same-day bookings available.
📍 Pentaxim Home Vaccination – Cities We Serve
VacciHub provides home vaccination with Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV/Hib) across all major areas of Delhi NCR:
🏛️Delhi (All Areas)
🏙️Gurgaon
🌆Noida
🏘️Ghaziabad
🏗️Faridabad
🌇Greater Noida
Not sure if we cover your pincode? Call us at +91 92050 04114 and we'll confirm instantly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Pentaxim Vaccine
Pentaxim (DTaP-IPV/Hib) is a 5-in-1 combination vaccine by Sanofi Pasteur. It protects children against five serious diseases: Diphtheria (throat membrane infection), Tetanus (lockjaw), Pertussis (whooping cough), all three types of Poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease. The acellular pertussis (aP) formulation uses purified protein antigens rather than whole bacteria, making it safer with fewer side effects.
As per IAP 2024 guidelines, Pentaxim is given as the primary series at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, followed by a booster at 16–18 months of age. A second pre-school booster (Tdap/DTaP) is given at 4–6 years.
Infanrix Hexa and Hexaxim are 6-in-1 vaccines (DTaP + IPV + Hib + Hepatitis B) that add Hepatitis B protection in the same shot. Pentaxim is a 5-in-1 vaccine (DTaP + IPV + Hib) that covers the same diseases except Hepatitis B, which would need to be given as a separate dose. Both are IAP-recommended options for the primary series and booster — the choice mainly depends on whether a combined Hepatitis B dose is preferred.
Yes, Pentaxim is clinically proven safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects include mild injection-site pain, redness, low-grade fever, irritability and temporary drowsiness — all resolving in 48–72 hours. Because it uses acellular pertussis (not whole-cell bacteria), it causes significantly fewer adverse reactions than older DTP vaccines. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis are extremely rare.
Absolutely. VacciHub provides home vaccination with genuine Sanofi Pentaxim across Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Greater Noida. Our certified nurses bring the vaccine in a validated cold box and administer it safely at your home. Call +91 92050 04114 to book.
Please call or WhatsApp us at +91 92050 04114 for current pricing. VacciHub's price is inclusive of the nurse home visit, validated cold chain delivery, and digital vaccination record. We maintain transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
DTaP (acellular) like Pentaxim uses only purified pertussis protein antigens (Pertussis Toxoid + FHA), not the whole killed bacterium. This results in significantly fewer fever episodes, less injection-site swelling and better tolerability — while providing equally robust immunity. DTwP (whole-cell) is cheaper but causes more frequent adverse reactions.
Yes. Pentaxim comes as two components — a pre-filled syringe of DTaP-IPV liquid suspension and a small vial of lyophilised (freeze-dried) Hib powder. Our certified nurse reconstitutes the two together immediately before injection, exactly as per Sanofi's instructions, so the vaccine is always freshly mixed at your doorstep.