top of page

Vaxelis

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

Ingredients:

Active ingredients:

Diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, inactivated pertussis toxin, proteins from the outside of hepatitis B virus (also called surface antigens), inactivated poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3, a sugar from the capsule (outer layer) of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and proteins from the outside of Bordetella pertussis (the bacterium that causes pertussis) called filamentous hemagglutinin, fimbriae, and pertactin. 

Note: Yeast is used as part of the manufacturing process, so the vaccine contains traces of yeast. If you are allergic to yeast, please talk to your doctor before receiving this vaccine.

Inactive ingredients:
Amounts are based on a 0.5 mL dose

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:

Relevant Terms

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)

  • 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:

Last updated: Feb. 17, 2023

bottom of page