What does DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB vaccine protect against?

This vaccine gets its name from the diseases it protects against: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B.

Who should have this vaccine?

This vaccine is given to children starting at 2 months of age for infants born March 1, 2018 or later.

How many doses of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB vaccine are needed?

A child needs 3 doses of this vaccine, even if they already had a dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

The 3 doses of DTaP- IPV-Hib-HB vaccine are usually given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. After these 3 doses, immunization for hepatitis B is finished and children continue with other routine diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib containing vaccines.

Where can I get the vaccine?

The vaccine is given at a public health office​ in your area.

How well does the vaccine work?

After 3 doses of DTaP- IPV-Hib-HB vaccine, protection for hepatitis B is 95% to 100%. After an additional booster dose, protection is:

• almost 100% for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio
• around 90% for pertussis
• over 95% for Hib

Protection for babies who have already had contact with the hepatitis B virus (e.g., mother has long-term hepatitis B infection) is 85% to 95% after the recommended immunizations.

Are there side effects from DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB vaccine?

Reactions to the vaccine are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include:

• redness, swelling, and discomfort where the needle was given
• crying, feeling tired, irritable
• itchiness
• fever
• poor appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea

It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after immunization because people can have a rare but serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If anaphylaxis happens, you will be given medicine to treat the symptoms.

Unusual reactions can happen. Call Health Link at 811 to report any unusual reactions.

How can I manage side effects?

• To help with discomfort and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area.
• If you need fever or pain medicine, check with your pharmacist or doctor. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 19 years old because it can cause serious health problems.
• Some people with health problems (e.g., weak immune system) must call their doctor whenever they get a fever. If you have been told to do this, call your doctor—even if you think the fever was due to immunization.

Is there anyone who cannot have DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB vaccine?

You may not be able to have the vaccine if you:

• have an allergy to parts of the vaccine—always tell your healthcare provider about allergies.
• had a severe or unusual reaction after this vaccine (or a similar one)—always tell your healthcare provider if you have had reactions.
• have a health problem (e.g., weak immune system). These children may need a separate, higher dose of hepatitis B vaccine.

You can be immunized if you have a mild illness (e.g., cold), even if you have a fever.

For More Information

• Call Health Link at 811
• Go to Immunize Alberta

Disease Quick Facts

Diphtheria

• nose and throat infection caused by bacteria
• can cause trouble breathing or swallowing, heart failure, and paralysis
• 1 out of 10 people who get diphtheria will die
• spread by coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person

Tetanus

• bacterial infection that causes spasms of the jaw (lock jaw) and other muscles
• can lead to trouble breathing, seizures, and death
• this bacteria is common in dirt, manure, and human stool and enters the body by a wound or animal bite
• tetanus disease is rare since a vaccine became available in the 1940s

Pertussis

• infection of the airways caused by bacteria
• causes coughing spells that can last for months
• coughing can be so bad it is hard to eat, drink, and breathe (especially for babies)
• can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain injury, and death
• spread by coughing, sneezing, or contact with an infected person

Polio

• nervous system infection caused by a virus
• most people do not have symptoms, but can spread the disease
• can lead to paralysis and death
• spread by infected stool getting onto hands, or into food and water, and then into the mouth

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B

• a bacteria that causes meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) and other serious infections (e.g., blood)
• can lead to lifelong disabilities and death
• spread by coughing or sneezing

Hepatitis B

• a virus that causes short-term symptoms including: poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
• 1 out of 10 adults who are infected with hepatitis B will have chronic infection
• the younger you are, the higher the chance of chronic infection (e.g., more than 9 out of 10 babies who are infected will have chronic infection) 1
• people with chronic hepatitis B infection have it forever and can spread it to others, even if they do not look or feel sick.
• chronic infection can lead to liver damage (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and death
• can spread when there is contact with blood or body fluids from a person who is infected (e.g., childbirth, sex)
• can spread by objects contaminated with blood or body fluids (e.g., needles, razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, equipment used in tattoos, piercings, or acupuncture that is not cleaned properly