Hexaxim (DTPa-hepB-IPV-Hib) is a vaccine used to protect against infectious diseases.
Hexaxim helps to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and serious diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b. Hexaxim can be given to children from six weeks of age.
The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria and viruses that cause these different infections:
- Diphtheria is an infectious disease that usually first affects the throat. In the throat, the infection causes pain and swelling, leading to suffocation.
- Tetanus (often called lockjaw) is usually caused by the tetanus bacteria entering a deep wound. The bacteria make a toxin (poison) that causes spasms in the muscles, leading to the inability to breathe and the possibility of suffocation.
- Pertussis (often called whooping cough) is a highly infectious illness affecting airways. It causes severe coughing that may lead to problems with breathing. The coughing often has a “whooping” sound. The cough may last for one to two months or longer. Whooping cough can also cause ear infections, chest infections (bronchitis) which may last a long time, lung infections (pneumonia), fits, brain damage and even death.
- The hepatitis B virus causes hepatitis B. It causes the liver to become swollen (inflamed). In some people, the virus can stay in the body for a long time, eventually leading to serious liver problems, including liver cancer.
- Poliomyelitis (often called polio) is caused by viruses affecting the nerves. It can lead to paralysis or muscle weakness, most commonly in the legs. Paralysis of the muscles that control breathing and swallowing can be fatal.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b infections (often just called Hib) are serious bacterial infections. They can cause meningitis (inflammation of the outer covering of the brain), leading to brain damage, deafness, epilepsy, or partial blindness.
