Hexaxim Vaccine

Hexaxim Vaccine – Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (acellular, component), hepatitis B (rDNA), poliomyelitis (inactivated), and Haemophilus influenza type b conjugate vaccine.

Call Clinic One at 9861966614 or email us at info@clinicone.com.np and get Hexaxim Vaccine promptly in Kathmandu Nepal. We also offer the vaccine at the convenience of your home. Let us know. 

Introduction:

Hexaxim (DTaP-IPV-HB-Hib) is a vaccine used to protect against infectious diseases. Hexaxim is indicated for primary and booster vaccination of infants and toddlers from six weeks of age against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and serious diseases caused by Haemophilus influenza type b.

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that usually first affects the throat. In the throat, the infection causes pain and swelling which can lead to suffocation. The bacteria that cause the disease also make a toxin (poison) that can damage the heart, kidneys and nerves.

Tetanus (often called lockjaw) is usually caused by the tetanus bacteria entering a deep wound. The bacteria make a toxin (poison) that causes spasms in the muscles, leading to the inability to breathe and the possibility of suffocation.

Pertussis (often called whooping cough) is a highly infectious illness that affects the airways. It causes severe coughing that may lead to problems with breathing. The coughing often has a “whooping” sound. The cough may last for one to two months or longer. Whooping cough can also cause ear infections, chest infections (bronchitis) which may last a long time, lung infections (pneumonia), fits, brain damage and even death.

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It causes the liver to become swollen (inflamed). In some people, the virus can stay in the body for a long time, and can eventually lead to serious liver problems, including liver cancer.

Poliomyelitis (often just called polio) is caused by viruses that affect the nerves. It can lead to paralysis or muscle weakness most commonly of the legs. Paralysis of the muscles that control breathing and swallowing can be fatal.

Haemophilus influenza type B infections (often just called Hib) are serious bacterial infections and can cause meningitis (inflammation of the outer covering of the brain), which can lead to brain damage, deafness, epilepsy, or partial blindness. Infection can also cause inflammation and swelling of the throat, leading to difficulties in swallowing and breathing, and infection can affect other parts of the body such as the blood, lungs, skin, bones, and joints.

Important information about the protection provided:

• Hexaxim will only help to prevent these diseases if they are caused by the bacteria or viruses targeted by the vaccine. Your child could get diseases with similar symptoms if they are caused by other bacteria or viruses.
• The vaccine does not contain any live bacteria or viruses and it cannot cause any of the infectious diseases against which it protects.
• This vaccine does not protect against infections caused by other types of Haemophilus influenza nor against meningitis due to other micro-organisms.
• Hexaxim will not protect against hepatitis infection caused by other agents such as hepatitis A, hepatitis C and hepatitis E.
• Because symptoms of hepatitis B take a long time to develop, it is possible for an unrecognized hepatitis B infection to be present at the time of vaccination. The vaccine may not prevent hepatitis B infection in such cases.
• Remember that no vaccine can provide complete, lifelong protection for all people who are vaccinated.

Do not use Hexaxim if your child:

• Has had respiratory disorder or swelling of the face (anaphylactic reaction) after administration of Hexaxim.
• has had an allergic reaction to the active substances, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B, as these substances are used during the manufacturing process.
• suffered from a severe reaction affecting the brain (encephalopathy) within 7 days of a prior dose of a pertussis vaccine (acellular or whole cell pertussis).
• has an uncontrolled condition or severe illness affecting the brain and nervous system (uncontrolled neurologic disorder) or uncontrolled epilepsy.

Before your child is given Hexaxim

Tell your doctor if your child:

1. Has a moderate or high temperature or an acute illness (e.g., fever, sore throat, cough, cold or flu). Vaccination with Hexaxim may need to be delayed until your child is better.
2. Has had any of the following events after receiving a pertussis vaccine, as the decision to give further doses of pertussis-containing vaccine will need to be carefully considered:
   • Fever of 40°C or above within 48 hours not due to another identifiable cause.
   • Collapse or shock-like state with the hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (drop in energy) within 48 hours of vaccination.
   • Persistent, inconsolable crying lasting 3 hours or more, occurring within 48 hours of vaccination.
   • Fits (convulsions) with or without fever, occurring within 3 days of vaccination.
3. Previously had Guillain-Barre syndrome (temporary inflammation of nerves causing pain, paralysis, and sensitivity disorders) or brachial neuritis (severe pain and decreased mobility of arm and shoulder) after being given a vaccine containing tetanus toxoid (an inactivated form of tetanus toxin). In this case, the decision to give any further vaccine containing tetanus toxoid should be evaluated by your doctor.
4. Is having a treatment that suppresses her/his immune system (the body’s natural defences) or has any disease that causes the weakness of the immune system. In these cases, the immune response to the vaccine may be decreased. It is normally recommended to wait until the end of the treatment or disease before vaccinating. However, children with long-standing problems with their immune system such as HIV infection (AIDS) may still be given Hexaxim but the protection may not be as good as in children whose immune system is healthy.

    

5. Is born prematurely. Lower responses to the vaccine may be observed in relation to immaturity of the immune system. However, according to national recommendations, vaccination should not be delayed. In addition, longer gaps than normal between breaths may occur for 2 -3 days after vaccination.

    

6. Suffers from an acute or chronic illness including chronic renal insufficiency or failure (inability of the kidneys to work properly).

    

7. Suffers from any undiagnosed illness of the brain or epilepsy which is not controlled. Your doctor will assess the potential benefit offered by vaccination.
8. Has any problems with the blood that causes easy bruising or bleeding for a long time after minor cuts. Your doctor will advise you whether your child should have Hexaxim.

    

How to use Hexaxim?

Hexaxim is given as an injection into a muscle (Intramuscular route IM) in the upper part of your child’s leg or upper arm. The vaccine will never be given into a blood vessel or into or under skin.

The recommended dose is as follows:

First course of vaccination (primary vaccination):

Your child will receive three injections given at an interval of one to two months (at least four weeks apart). This vaccine should be used according to the local vaccination program.

Additional injection (booster):

After the first course of injections, your child will receive a booster dose, in accordance with local recommendations, at least 6 months after the last dose of the first course. Your doctor will tell you when this dose should be given.

Possible side effects

Serious allergic reactions

Serious allergic reactions are a very rare possibility (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) after receiving any vaccine.

If any of these symptoms occur after leaving the place where your child has received Hexaxim, you must consult a doctor IMMEDIATELY:

• difficulty in breathing.
• blueness of the tongue or lips.
• a rash
• swelling of the face or throat.
• low blood pressure causing dizziness or collapse.

Other side effects:

If your child experiences any of the following side effects, please tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

• Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
• pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.
• loss of appetite
• crying
• sleepiness
• vomiting
• irritability
• fever (temperature 38°C or higher)

Clinic One has walk-in appointments for all kinds of vaccines available in our clinic including Hexaxim Vaccine. We are open on all weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. except Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.