Pediarix and Food

• Generic Name: diphtheria toxoid / hepatitis b pediatric vaccine / pertussis, acellular / poliovirus vaccine, inactivated / tetanus toxoid
• Dosage Forms: injection
• Other Brand Names: Pediarix

Pediarix vaccine is used to help prevent diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, polio and tetanus in children who are ages 6 weeks to 6 years old, before the child has reached his or her 7th birthday.

Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airways. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death. Pertussis (whooping cough) causes coughing so severe that it interferes with eating, drinking, or breathing. These spells can last for weeks and can lead to pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death. Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Hepatitis B and polio are serious diseases caused by viruses. Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is spread through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact or sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth when the mother is infected. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death. Polio affects the central nervous system and spinal cord. It can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. Polio is a life-threatening condition because it can paralyze the muscles that help you breathe.

Diphtheria, hepatitis B, pertussis, and polio are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

Pediarix works by exposing your child to a small dose of the bacteria or virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. Pediarix will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, Pediarix vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.