Pentacel

This vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Ingredients:

Active ingredients:

Diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, detoxified pertussis toxin, inactivated polioviruses types 1, 2, and 3, a sugar from the capsule (outer layer) of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), filamentous hemagglutinin (a cell surface protein), pertactin (outer membrane protein), and fimbriae types 2 and 3 (parts of the bacterium that allow it to attach to host cells)

Inactive ingredients:
Amounts are based on a 0.5 mL dose

Carbohydrates: normally used as stabilizers in vaccines

Adjuvants: strengthen the immune response to the vaccine

Antibiotics: used to prevent contamination during manufacturing

Growth agents: ingredients that help the active ingredients grow in order to make the vaccine

Other:

Anchor 1

Relevant Terms:

Antibiotics: substances that kill bacteria or prevent them from dividing Antibiotics are used in some vaccines to prevent contamination during the manufacturing process

Antibody: a protein made by the immune system in response to a foreign particle (antigen). These proteins circulate in the blood and help defend the body against the substance
Antigen: This is any substance that triggers the immune system to create antibodies. For example, allergens such as pollen are antigens
Antitoxin: an antibody that neutralizes toxins
Bacterium: The singular of bacteria (one bacterium, two bacteria)
Carbohydrates: This is another word for sugars
Emulsifier: a substance that helps to keep the ingredients mixed together
Toxoid: an inactive version of a toxin produced by a bacterium. The body is able to make antitoxin without being exposed to the actual toxin. Toxoids are not toxic.

Sources