This vaccine is used to help prevent diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae B infection. Vaccination is the best way to protect against these life-threatening infections. This vaccine works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the bacteria/virus.

This vaccine is usually given to children between 6 weeks and 4 years old.

Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is given in the upper arm for children and in the thigh for infants.

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Pain/swelling/redness at the injection site, fever, irritability/crying, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell the health care professional right away if your child has any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this vaccine has been prescribed because the health care professional has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this vaccine do not have serious side effects.

Tell your health care professional right away if your child has any serious side effects, including:

• high fever (105 degrees F/40 degrees C or higher)
• nonstop crying (beginning within 48 hours of the injection and lasting longer than 3 hours)
• seizures
• little or no response to sound/touch
• weak/floppy muscles
• severe pain/swelling at the injection site

A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before your child receives this vaccine, tell the health care professional if your child is allergic to it; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the health care professional your child's medical history, especially of:

• current fever/illness
• nervous system disorders (such as seizures, encephalopathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome)
• immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment)
• vaccination history (including previous reactions to any vaccines)

This vaccine is not usually used by adults. It is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult the health care professional if you have any questions about using this vaccine.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products your child uses (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with the health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without the doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine are:

• drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone)

This vaccine may interfere with certain lab tests (such as antigen tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all the doctors know your child recently received this vaccine.

Not applicable.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.

It is important that your child gets each vaccination as scheduled. Ask when your child should get each dose and mark your calendar with a reminder. If your child misses a dose, call the health care professional to reschedule.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.