Pentacel is a vaccine given to infants and young children to protect against five serious diseases: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), and polio.
PENTACEL is listed under Health Canada DIN 02534797. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
PENTACEL
DIN
02534797
Vaccine
DTaP-IPV-Hib
Presentation
0.5 mL · suspension · intramuscular · 6 weeks to 6 years
Live vaccine
No
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
Pentacel is a vaccine given to infants and young children to protect against five serious diseases: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), and polio.
What to mention before a dose
Tell the nurse or doctor if your child has ever had a serious reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine or a vaccine with similar ingredients.
Tell the nurse or doctor if your child is currently sick with a moderate or severe illness, since vaccination may need to wait until they feel better.
Tell the nurse or doctor if your child has a bleeding disorder, is on blood-thinning medicine, or has a neurological condition.
Tell the nurse or doctor if your child was born very prematurely.
How it is given
Pentacel is given as a shot into the muscle, usually in your child's thigh or upper arm, by a nurse or doctor.
Your healthcare provider mixes the two parts of the vaccine together just before giving it to your child. You do not need to do anything to prepare.
Important things to know
Fainting can happen after any vaccination, so your child may be watched for a short time afterward.
If your child has had a serious brain reaction within a week of a previous whooping-cough vaccine, tell your healthcare provider before this vaccine is given again.
Very premature babies may need their breathing monitored for a couple of days after their early doses.
This vaccine is not given to adults or the elderly; it is for infants and young children only.
Effects you may notice
Redness, swelling, or soreness where the shot was given
A mild fever
Being less active than usual, or extra fussy
Crying more than usual
Reduced appetite
Diarrhea or vomiting
When to contact a healthcare professional
If your child has a high fever that will not come down
If the swelling or redness at the injection site is getting worse instead of better
If your child seems unusually unwell in the days after the shot, even if you are not sure it is related to the vaccine
When to get emergency help
Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, hives, or trouble breathing
A seizure
Your child becomes unusually limp, pale, and unresponsive
Swelling that spreads over your child's entire arm or leg
Other medicines and vaccines
This vaccine has no known interaction with food.
Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines that weaken the immune system, since these can lower how well the vaccine works.
Pentacel can usually be given at the same visit as other routine childhood vaccines, using separate needles at different injection sites.
A numbing patch placed on the skin before the injection can be used to reduce injection discomfort without affecting how well the vaccine works.
Key points to remember
Bring your child's immunization record to every appointment.
Mild soreness, fussiness, and a low fever after the shot are normal and usually go away within a couple of days.
If your child was born very early, ask your healthcare provider whether any extra monitoring is recommended after the first doses.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
DTaP-IPV-Hib — infant series (2, 4, 6 and 18 months)
4 doses
Four doses at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age.
Routine infant series with a DTaP-IPV-Hib-containing vaccine at 2, 4, 6 and 12 to 23 months (generally 18 months); the first dose can be given as early as 6 weeks. Minimum 4 weeks between primary doses and 6 months between dose 3 and the booster. Late starters follow a catch-up schedule set by your clinician.
Family guidance on pregnancy: Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy, irrespective of immunization history, ideally at 27 to 32 weeks. Polio (IPV) may be considered for a non-immune person at increased risk; Hib when a predisposing condition is present.
Family guidance on breastfeeding: Tdap is recommended if no adult dose has been given; polio and Hib are used if indicated.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.