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Health Information and Tools > Health A-Z >  Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (dTaP-IPV-Hib) Vaccine

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Immunization

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (dTaP-IPV-Hib) Vaccine

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​​​​​​​​​​​Immunization protects you from disease.
​​Get protected, get immunized.

  • Vaccines make your immune system stronger by buildi​ng antibodies, which help prevent diseases.
  • Immunization is safe. It is much safer to get immunized than to get this disease.​

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

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

Who should have the vaccine?

This vaccine is given to children starting at 2 months of age for infants born before Mar. 1, 2018.

The vaccine may be offered to older children and adults who need to be re-immunized because of a bone marrow transplant.

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

Children usually get their first 3 doses of this vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. This is called the primary series.

After the primary series, a booster is given at 18 months. This vaccine is usually only used in younger children. Booster doses with similar vaccines are needed at 4 years of age, as a teen, and as an adult to keep you protected.

How well does the vaccine work?

After the primary series of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, polio, and Hib vaccine followed by a booster dose, protection is:

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

It is important to get booster doses because protection may weaken over time.

Where can I get the vaccine?

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

Are there side effects from DTaP-IPV-Hib 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
  • feeling tired, irritable, or crying
  • fever
  • poor appetite, nausea, 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 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.

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

For More Information

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 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​

Current as of: April 12, 2018

Author: Immunization Program, Alberta Health Services