Vaccine (Combined immunization)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
The pentavalent vaccine is a 5-in-1 injection that protects against five dangerous diseases at once: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (a germ that causes meningitis and pneumonia in children). It works by training the body's immune system to recognize and fight these diseases before they can cause harm.
Activates humoral and cell-mediated immunity by presenting microbial antigens (toxoids from *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* and *Clostridium tetani*, inactivated pertussis components, hepatitis B surface antigen, and *Haemophilus influenzae* type B polysaccharide conjugate) to B and T lymphocytes, stimulating production of protective antibodies and memory immune responses against these pathogens.
Prevention of diphtheria (throat infection that can block breathing), tetanus (lock jaw), whooping cough (severe cough illness in babies), hepatitis B (liver infection), and Haemophilus influenzae type B infections like meningitis (brain infection) and pneumonia (chest infection) in infants and young children
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you missed your baby's vaccination date, take them to the health centre as soon as possible. You do not need to restart the whole series; just continue from where you stopped. The important thing is that your child gets all 3 doses, even if they are given later than scheduled.
Only get this vaccine at government health centres, Primary Health Care centres, or approved private hospitals, never from roadside vendors or unregistered places, as the vaccine needs proper cold storage to work. Make sure you complete all 3 doses for your baby, as an incomplete course means your child is not fully protected. Keep your child's immunization card safe and bring it to every visit so the health worker can track which vaccines have been given.
If your baby is taking medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids or cancer drugs), the vaccine may not work well, so tell the health worker. If your baby recently received a blood transfusion or immunoglobulin injection, inform the nurse as the vaccination may need to be delayed. There are no food interactions to worry about since this is given to young babies.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Diphtheria, with your other drugs?
This vaccine is designed for infants, not for pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, breastfeeding mothers can safely allow their babies to receive this vaccine, as breastfeeding does not interfere with it.
This vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C, and it must never be frozen. If the vaccine freezes, it is spoiled and must not be used. This is why you should only get this vaccine at a proper health facility that has a working cold chain. Do not attempt to buy or store this vaccine at home.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.