Infanrix (Pertussis Toxoid Adsorbed On Aluminium Hydroxide, Pertussis Pertactin Adsorbed On Aluminium Hydroxid)

Infanrix is a pertussis‑containing vaccine used to protect against the bacterial disease whooping cough. It is part of routine childhood immunisation programmes and may be given as a booster in older age groups.

• Infants and young children: prevention of pertussis (whooping cough) through active immunisation.
• Adolescents: booster protection to maintain immunity against pertussis.
• Pregnant women: transplacental antibody transfer to protect newborns during the first months of life.

• Infanrix contains pertussis toxoid and pertactin antigens adsorbed onto aluminium hydroxide, which act as adjuvants. After intramuscular injection, the antigens are taken up by antigen‑presenting cells, stimulating B‑cell and T‑cell responses that generate specific antibodies against Bordetella pertussis, thereby providing protective immunity.

Common side effects are usually mild and transient, reflecting the body's immune response to the vaccine.

Common Side Effects

• Pain at the injection site: local discomfort after administration.
• Redness or swelling: mild inflammation at the injection site.
• Fever: low‑grade temperature rise within 24‑48 hours.
• Irritability or crying: especially in infants.
• Loss of appetite: temporary reduction in feeding.
• Fatigue: mild tiredness following vaccination.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
• Seizures: rare neurologic events possibly related to high fever.
• High fever (>40°C): may require antipyretic treatment.
• Prolonged crying episodes: lasting more than three hours.
• Hypotonic‑hyporesponsive episode: transient loss of muscle tone.
• Encephalopathy: extremely rare central nervous system involvement.

Vaccination with Infanrix should be performed after evaluating individual risk factors and following proper storage conditions.

• Assess prior allergic reactions: avoid if the patient has known hypersensitivity to any vaccine component.
• Defer vaccination if acute illness: postpone until the patient has recovered from moderate or severe febrile disease.
• Observe for 15 minutes post‑injection: monitor for immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
• Avoid use in individuals with severe immunodeficiency: immune response may be inadequate.
• Do not administer to persons with a history of encephalopathy following pertussis vaccination.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Vaccines may interact with other immunological agents or medications that alter immune function.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Live bacterial vaccines: avoid co‑administration within 4 weeks as it may reduce efficacy.
• Immunoglobulin therapy: may neutralise vaccine antigens and diminish response.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen): may mask fever but generally safe.
• Immunosuppressive drugs: may lower antibody production, requiring serologic monitoring.
• Concurrent administration with other vaccines: monitor for increased reactogenicity.
• Corticosteroids: high‑dose therapy may attenuate immune response.