Hexaxim (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Acellular), Hepatitis B (Rdna), Poliomyelitis (Inactivated) And Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Conjugate Vaccine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Hexaxim Used For?
Hexaxim is a combination vaccine that helps protect infants and children from six serious infectious diseases. It can be given to children starting from six weeks of age.
Primary Uses
Hexaxim protects against: Diphtheria (throat infection that can cause suffocation and damage to heart, kidneys and nerves), Tetanus (lock jaw causing muscle spasms and breathing problems), Pertussis (whooping cough causing severe coughing and breathing difficulties), Hepatitis B (liver infection that can lead to liver cancer), Poliomyelitis (polio causing paralysis and muscle weakness), and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib causing meningitis, brain damage, and other serious infections).
How It Works
The vaccine works by causing your child’s body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria and viruses that cause these infections. The vaccine does not contain any live bacteria or viruses and cannot cause the diseases it protects against.
Good to know: The vaccine does not contain live bacteria or viruses and cannot cause any of the infectious diseases it protects against.
How to Take Hexaxim
Hexaxim is given as an injection into the muscle of your child’s upper leg or upper arm by a doctor or nurse.
Dosage Instructions
Your child will receive either two injections given at least eight weeks apart, or three injections given at least four weeks apart. The vaccination schedule follows your local vaccination program. After the first course, your child may need a booster dose according to local recommendations.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If your child misses a scheduled injection, discuss with your doctor or nurse who will decide when to give the missed dose. It’s important to complete the full course of injections for your child to be fully protected.
Important: Follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your doctor to ensure your child receives full protection against these diseases.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain, redness or swelling at injection site
- Loss of appetite
- Crying and irritability
- Sleepiness
- Vomiting
- Fever (38°C or higher)
- Abnormal crying (prolonged crying)
- Diarrhea
- Injection site hardness
- Rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Episodes when child goes into shock-like state or is pale, floppy and unresponsive (hypotonic reactions)
- Serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction)
- Difficulty breathing
- Blueness of tongue or lips
- Swelling of face or throat
- Low blood pressure causing dizziness or collapse
- Fits (convulsions) with or without fever
Important Warnings
There are certain situations where Hexaxim should not be given or requires special consideration.
Who Should Not Take Hexaxim
Your child should not receive Hexaxim if they have had an allergic reaction to Hexaxim or any of its ingredients, respiratory problems or face swelling after previous Hexaxim, allergic reactions to other vaccines containing these components, severe brain reaction within 7 days of previous pertussis vaccine, uncontrolled brain/nervous system conditions, or uncontrolled epilepsy.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if your child has moderate to high fever or acute illness, previous reactions to pertussis vaccine (high fever, collapse, prolonged crying, or fits), history of Guillain-Barre syndrome or brachial neuritis, immune system problems or treatments, premature birth, kidney problems, uncontrolled brain illness or epilepsy, bleeding problems, or previous fainting with injections.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not applicable – this vaccine is for infants and children only.
Premature Babies: In babies born very prematurely (at or before 28 weeks), longer gaps than normal between breaths may occur for 2-3 days after vaccination.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines your child is taking, including prescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
- Other vaccines may be given with Hexaxim – your doctor will advise
- Medicines that suppress the immune system may reduce vaccine effectiveness
- Any medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without prescription
Alcohol & Driving
Not applicable for this pediatric vaccine.
Storage
Hexaxim is usually stored at the doctor’s surgery or clinic. If you need to store it, keep it in its original packaging in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze Hexaxim. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Do not use if packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Overdose Information
Overdose is unlikely as the vaccine is given by a healthcare professional. If you think your child has been given too much Hexaxim, seek urgent medical attention. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hexaxim can be given to children starting from six weeks of age according to your local vaccination program.
Your child will receive either two injections at least eight weeks apart, or three injections at least four weeks apart, depending on the local vaccination schedule. A booster dose may also be needed later.
Yes, your doctor will advise if Hexaxim can be given with other vaccines at the same time.
Fever (38°C or higher) is a common side effect. However, if your child develops a very high fever (40°C or above) within 48 hours, contact your doctor as this requires careful consideration.
Yes, crying and irritability are common side effects. However, if your child has persistent, inconsolable crying lasting 3 hours or more within 48 hours of vaccination, contact your doctor.
Premature babies can still receive Hexaxim, but vaccination should not be delayed. However, longer gaps than normal between breaths may occur for 2-3 days after vaccination in babies born very prematurely.
Hexaxim only protects against the specific bacteria and viruses targeted by the vaccine. It won’t protect against diseases with similar symptoms caused by other bacteria or viruses, and no vaccine provides complete lifelong protection in all people.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.