VAXELIS requires 2-3 fewer injections in the infant vaccination series compared to Pentacel® (+ hepatitis B vaccine) and Pediarix® (+ Hib vaccine)1-3

VAXELIS may reduce the number of shots that infants and parents must endure in the first 6 months – with as few as 2 injections per visit1-3

Vaccination schedule3 considerations for transitioning your practice to VAXELIS can be found below.

Click tabs to compare the schedules.

VAXELIS Vaccination ScheduleVAXELIS Vaccination Schedule
Pentacel Vaccination SchedulePentacel Vaccination Schedule

See how the shots add up at 2, 4, and 6 months when administering VAXELIS compared to Pentacel + hepatitis B vaccine1

Hep B Included in VAXELIS: Unlike Pentacel, VAXELIS contains the hepatitis B antigen, so there is no need to give your patients a separate hepatitis B vaccine.1

No Reconstitution for VAXELIS: Unlike Pentacel, VAXELIS does not require reconstitution, possibly reducing vaccine prep time.1,8

Two Fewer Shots for VAXELIS: Transitioning to VAXELIS means 2 fewer shots that infants and parents have to endure in the first 6 months compared to a Pentacel-based regimen.1,3

Pediarix Vaccination SchedulePediarix Vaccination Schedule

See how the shots add up at 2, 4, and 6 months when administering VAXELIS compared to Pediarix + Hib vaccine2

Hib Antigen Included in VAXELIS: Unlike Pediarix, VAXELIS contains the Hib antigen, so there is no need to give your patients a separate Hib vaccine.2

No Reconstitution for VAXELIS: Pediarix may be administered with Hiberix. Unlike Hiberix, VAXELIS does not require reconstitution, possibly reducing vaccine prep time.2-3, 8-9

Up to 3 Fewer Shots for VAXELIS: Transitioning to VAXELIS means up to 3 fewer shots that infants and parents have to endure in the first 6 months compared to a Pediarix-based regimen.2,3

Table does not include all CDC recommended infant immunizations.3
All brands mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Hib, Haemophilus influenzae type b.

aHib vaccine may be administered as a 2-dose primary series (at 2 and 4 months) or a 3-dose primary series (at 2, 4, and 6 months), depending on brand.3,4

bOral rotavirus vaccine may be administered as a 2-dose series (at 2 and 4 months) or a 3-dose series (at 2, 4, and 6 months), depending on brand.3

cSee Prescribing Information for recommended dosing.

VAXELIS gives you the flexibility to catch patients up to their 5th birthday4

The CDC, AAP, and AAFP guideline includes the use of a 4-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule3

Considerations Regarding:

Dosing Schedule

The guideline supports giving a monovalent hepatitis B vaccine birth dose followed by a combination vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months3

Catch-up Immunization 

Recommended minimum intervals should be maintained, and the last dose should be given at ≥ 24 weeks3,4

Vaccines for Children Program

The VFC Program covers up to four doses of hepatitis B vaccine for VFC-eligible children3,5,6

AAFP, American Academy of Family Physicians; AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; VFC, Vaccines for Children.

Clinical considerations for transitioning your practice to VAXELIS

The decision on how to transition your practice is based on your clinical judgment.

Vaccination Schedule for VAXELIS:

VAXELIS is to be administered as a 3-dose series at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age. 

  • Three doses of VAXELIS constitute a primary immunization course against diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b invasive disease, and poliomyelitis. 
  • VAXELIS may be used to complete the hepatitis B immunization series. 
  • A 3-dose series of VAXELIS does not constitute a primary immunization series against pertussis; an additional dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is needed to complete the primary series. 

Vaccination following VAXELIS for:

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Pertussis

  • VAXELIS, Pentacel, Quadracel, and Daptacel contain the same pertussis antigens manufactured by the same process. 
  • Children who have received a 3-dose series of VAXELIS should complete the primary and pertussis vaccination series with Pentacel, Quadracel, or Daptacel according to the respective Prescribing Information in the approved Package Inserts.  
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Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccines

  • While 3 doses of VAXELIS constitute the primary series against Hib disease, the ACIP recommends a booster dose of any Hib conjugate vaccine licensed for booster to be administered at 12-15 months.3
  • The two US pivotal VAXELIS safety and immunogenicity trials studied the administration of PedvaxHIB, along with Daptacel at 15 months (Study 005), and Pentacel administered at 15 months (Study 006).

Administration of VAXELIS following previous doses of:

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Other DTaP-Containing Vaccines

  • VAXELIS may be used to complete the first 3 doses of the 5-dose DTaP series in infants and children who have received 1 or 2 doses of Pentacel or Daptacel and are also scheduled to receive the other antigens in VAXELIS. Data are not available on the safety and immunogenicity of such mixed sequences.
  • Data are not available on the safety and effectiveness of using VAXELIS following 1 or 2 doses of a DTaP vaccine from a different manufacturer.
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Any Hepatitis B Vaccine

  • A 3-dose series of VAXELIS may be administered to infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers, and who have received a dose of any hepatitis B vaccine, prior to or at 1 month of age. 
  • VAXELIS may be used to complete the hepatitis B vaccination series following 1 or 2 doses of other hepatitis B vaccines, in infants and children born of HBsAg-negative mothers and who are also scheduled to receive the other antigens in VAXELIS. However, data are not available on the safety and effectiveness of VAXELIS in such infants and children. 
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Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)

  • VAXELIS may be administered to infants and children who have received 1 or 2 doses of IPV and are also scheduled to receive the other antigens in VAXELIS. 
 However, data are not available on the safety and effectiveness of VAXELIS in such infants and children.
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Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccines

  • VAXELIS may be administered to infants and children who have received 1 or 2 doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b Conjugate Vaccine and are also scheduled to receive the other antigens in VAXELIS. However, data are not available on the safety and effectiveness of VAXELIS in such infants and children.

Dosing & Administration:

  • The 3-dose immunization series consists of a 0.5 mL intramuscular injection, administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) prefers that doses of vaccine in a series come from the same manufacturer.  If this is not possible or if the manufacturer of doses given previously is unknown, providers should administer the vaccine that they have available.7

DTaP, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis; HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen.

Brands mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Order VAXELIS now

Order directly at: VaccineShop.com. For a list of authorized distributors: VaxelisContract.com

Additional topics to explore

FAQ

FAQ

Potential efficiencies

Potential efficiencies

Prep and admin comparisons

Prep and admin comparisons

References: 1. Pentacel. Prescribing Information. Sanofi Pasteur; 2023. 2. PEDIARIX. Prescribing Information. GlaxoSmithKIine; 2024. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States, 2025. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf 4. Oliver SE, Moore KL. Licensure of a diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate, and hepatitis B vaccine, and guidance for use in infants. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(5):136-139. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6905a5 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Updated June 26, 2024. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/about/index.html. 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Current CDC Vaccine Price List. Updated October 1, 2024. Accessed October 29, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/php/awardees/current-cdc-vaccine-price-list.html 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. General best practice guidelines for immunization. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/index.html 8. De Coster I, Fournie X, Faure C, et al. Assessment of preparation time with fully-liquid versus non-fully liquid paediatric hexavalent vaccines. A time and motion study. Vaccine. 2015;33(32):3976-3982. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.06.030 9. Hiberix. Prescribing Information. GlaxoSmithKline; 2023.

Indication for VAXELIS

VAXELIS is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). VAXELIS is approved for use as a 3-dose series in children 6 weeks through 4 years of age (prior to the 5th birthday).

Important Safety Information

  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of VAXELIS, any ingredient of VAXELIS, or any other diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, pertussis-containing vaccine, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, or Hib vaccine.
  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of encephalopathy within 7 days of a pertussis-containing vaccine with no other identifiable cause.
  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of progressive neurologic disorder until a treatment regimen has been established and the condition has stabilized.
  • Carefully consider benefits and risks before administering VAXELIS to persons with a history of: fever ≥40.5°C (≥105°F), hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE), or persistent, inconsolable crying lasting ≥3 hours within 48 hours after a previous pertussis-containing vaccine; and/or seizures within 3 days after a previous pertussis-containing vaccine.
  • If Guillain-Barré syndrome occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior vaccine containing tetanus toxoid, the risk for Guillain-Barré syndrome may be increased following VAXELIS.
  • Apnea following intramuscular vaccination has been observed in some infants born prematurely. Consider the individual infant’s medical status and potential benefits and possible risks of intramuscular vaccination in deciding when to administer VAXELIS to an infant born prematurely.
  • Vaccination with VAXELIS may not protect all individuals.
  • The solicited adverse reactions 0-5 days following any dose were irritability (≥55%), crying (≥45%), injection site pain (≥44%), somnolence (≥40%), injection site erythema (≥25%), decreased appetite (≥23%), fever ≥38.0°C (≥19%), injection site swelling (≥18%), and vomiting (≥9%).
  • The 3-dose immunization series consists of a 0.5 mL intramuscular injection, administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.
  • A 3-dose series of VAXELIS does not constitute a primary immunization series against pertussis; an additional dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is needed to complete the primary series.

Before administering VAXELIS, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.

Indication for VAXELIS® (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis, Inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus b Conjugate and Hepatitis B Vaccine)

VAXELIS is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). VAXELIS is approved for use as a 3-dose series in children 6 weeks through 4 years of age (prior to the 5th birthday).

VAXELIS is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent diphtheria, tetanus,

VAXELIS is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). VAXELIS is approved for use as a 3-dose series in children 6 weeks through 4 years of age (prior to the 5th birthday).

Important Safety Information for VAXELIS® (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis, Inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus b Conjugate and Hepatitis B Vaccine)

  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of VAXELIS, any ingredient of VAXELIS, or any other diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, pertussis-containing vaccine, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, or Hib vaccine.
  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of encephalopathy within 7 days of a pertussis-containing vaccine with no other identifiable cause.
  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of progressive neurologic disorder until a treatment regimen has been established and the condition has stabilized.
  • Carefully consider benefits and risks before administering VAXELIS to persons with a history of: fever ≥40.5°C (≥105°F), hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE), or persistent, inconsolable crying lasting ≥3 hours within 48 hours after a previous pertussis-containing vaccine; and/or seizures within 3 days after a previous pertussis-containing vaccine.
  • If Guillain-Barré syndrome occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior vaccine containing tetanus toxoid, the risk for Guillain-Barré syndrome may be increased following VAXELIS.
  • Apnea following intramuscular vaccination has been observed in some infants born prematurely. Consider the individual infant’s medical status and potential benefits and possible risks of intramuscular vaccination in deciding when to administer VAXELIS to an infant born prematurely.
  • Vaccination with VAXELIS may not protect all individuals.
  • The solicited adverse reactions 0-5 days following any dose were irritability (≥55%), crying (≥45%), injection site pain (≥44%), somnolence (≥40%), injection site erythema (≥25%), decreased appetite (≥23%), fever ≥38.0°C (≥19%), injection site swelling (≥18%), and vomiting (≥9%).
  • The 3-dose immunization series consists of a 0.5 mL intramuscular injection, administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.
  • A 3-dose series of VAXELIS does not constitute a primary immunization series against pertussis; an additional dose of pertussis-containing vaccine is needed to complete the primary series.

Before administering VAXELIS, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Patient Information also is available.

  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of VAXELIS, any ingredient of VAXELIS, or any other diphtheria toxoid,
  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of VAXELIS, any ingredient of VAXELIS, or any other diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, pertussis-containing vaccine, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, or Hib vaccine.
  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of encephalopathy within 7 days of a pertussis-containing vaccine with no other identifiable cause.
  • Do not administer VAXELIS to anyone with a history of progressive neurologic disorder until a treatment regimen has been established and the condition has stabilized.