Tetraxim is a combination vaccine that offers protection against four serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and poliomyelitis (polio). It is widely used in pediatric immunization programs, providing essential immunity to children with a single shot. It contains the Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) component - a painless, gentle formulation - along with D, T, and IPV components, totaling 4 antigens for comprehensive protection.
✨ What Makes Tetraxim "Gentle"?
Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) - The Painless Advantage
- Purified components: Uses only specific purified proteins from pertussis bacteria instead of whole cells
- Significantly fewer side effects: Reduced pain, swelling, and fever compared to whole-cell vaccines
- Gentle on children: Less crying, irritability, and discomfort after vaccination
- Same strong protection: Maintains high efficacy against whooping cough
- Better tolerability: More comfortable experience for babies and parents
What Diseases Does Tetraxim Protect Against?
Diphtheria
(D)
Serious throat infection that can block airways and damage the heart
Tetanus
(T)
Lockjaw causing painful muscle stiffness and spasms
Pertussis
(aP - Acellular)
Whooping cough with severe coughing fits
Polio
(IPV)
Paralytic disease affecting limbs and breathing
How Tetraxim Works
Tetraxim contains inactivated components of the bacteria and virus that cause these diseases. When administered, it stimulates the immune system to develop antibodies, offering protection against future infections without causing the actual diseases.
The 4 Components
- Diphtheria Toxoid (D): Inactivated diphtheria toxin
- Tetanus Toxoid (T): Inactivated tetanus toxin
- Acellular Pertussis (aP): Purified pertussis antigens (painless formulation)
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Killed poliovirus (safer than oral polio)
⚠️ Critical Usage Guidelines - Hib & Hep B Considerations
Important: Tetraxim does NOT contain Hib or Hepatitis B components.
For Primary Series (2-4 months):
- If using Tetraxim, you MUST give separate Hib and Hep B vaccines
- Since separate Hib is not readily available in India, this limits Tetraxim's use in primary series
- Alternative: Consider 6-in-1 vaccines like Infanrix Hexa or Hexaxim for primary series (includes DTaP, IPV, Hib, and Hep B)
For First Booster (16-18 months):
- If using Tetraxim, you MUST give separate Hib vaccine
- Since separate Hib is not readily available in India, Tetraxim cannot be used as first booster
✓ Ideal for Second Booster (5-13 years):
- Perfect choice for second booster when Hib is no longer required
- Provides gentle, painless DTaP protection with IPV
- No need for additional vaccines at this age
📅 Administration Schedule
Primary Series (With Limitations)
- Age: 2, 3, 4 months (or 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks)
- Doses: 3 doses at 1-month intervals
- ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Must give separate Hib + Hep B
- Challenge: Separate Hib not readily available in India
- Recommendation: Consider 6-in-1 vaccines for primary series instead
First Booster (Not Recommended)
- Age: 16-18 months (1 year after primary)
- ⚠️ LIMITATION: Requires separate Hib vaccine
- Issue: Separate Hib not readily available in India
- Conclusion: Cannot be used as first booster
Second Booster (IDEAL USE)
- Age: 5-13 years
- ✓ PERFECT CHOICE: No Hib needed at this age
- Benefit: Gentle acellular pertussis for older children
- Coverage: Complete DTaP + IPV protection
Administration Site
- Infants: Upper thigh (anterolateral)
- Older children: Upper arm (deltoid)
- Route: Intramuscular injection
- Volume: 0.5 mL per dose
Side Effects
✓ Significantly Reduced Side Effects with Acellular Formula
Thanks to the acellular pertussis component, Tetraxim causes notably fewer and milder side effects compared to whole-cell vaccines:
Common Side Effects (Mild & Temporary)
- Injection site: Minimal pain or swelling (much less than whole-cell vaccines)
- Mild fever: Low-grade temperature (less common than with wP vaccines)
- Irritability: Reduced fussiness compared to whole-cell options
- Fatigue: Mild drowsiness
Key Advantage: The acellular formulation means your child experiences significantly less discomfort, less crying, and faster recovery compared to traditional whole-cell pertussis vaccines.
Severe reactions are extremely rare with acellular vaccines. Contact your pediatrician if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours.
Pregnancy and Lactation
For Parents to Know
- Pregnancy: Not for adults. Not applicable, as Tetraxim is intended for infants and young children.
- Lactation: Not for adults. Safe for breastfeeding mothers to administer to their infants.
- Note: This is a pediatric vaccine designed specifically for children aged 2 months to 13 years.
Age Range
Approved Age Groups
- Minimum Age: 6 weeks (2 months)
- Maximum Age: 13 years
- Age Range: 2 months to 13 years
- Best Use: Second booster (5-13 years) where it's most practical
Combination Options
Can Be Given With
For primary series or first booster: If you choose to use Tetraxim, it can be given along with Hepatitis B vaccine separately. However, consider these acellular alternatives that include everything:
- Infanrix Hexa: 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP + IPV + Hib + Hep B)
- Hexaxim: 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP + IPV + Hib + Hep B)
- These eliminate the need for multiple separate injections and ensure complete coverage
Contraindications
When NOT to Give Tetraxim
- Allergic Reactions: Not recommended for individuals with severe allergies to any component of the vaccine
- Severe Illness: Vaccination should be postponed in cases of acute, severe febrile illness
- Encephalopathy: History of encephalopathy within 7 days of previous pertussis-containing vaccine
- Progressive Neurological Disorder: Defer until condition stabilizes
Why Choose Tetraxim for Second Booster?
✓ Ideal Second Booster Choice
- Gentle acellular formula: Painless, comfortable vaccination experience for school-age children
- No Hib needed: Perfect for 5-13 year age group where Hib is no longer required
- Complete protection: DTaP + IPV in one shot
- Reduced side effects: Fewer reactions mean less missed school days
- Proven efficacy: Strong immune response with excellent safety profile
- Convenient: Single injection instead of multiple shots
✓ Smart Choice for Your Child's Protection
Tetraxim is an excellent component of routine immunization schedules, offering gentle, painless protection against multiple diseases. While it has limitations for primary series and first booster use due to Hib availability in India, it shines as the ideal second booster option (5-
