Transition to Pentacel® from Pediacel® vaccine in the publicly funded immunization program
Advisory Alert
April 8, 2024
*Cette information est seulement disponible en anglais.
To: Local Health System Partners
FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
Pentacel® is replacing Pediacel® as the DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine provided through the publicly funded immunization program
Please be advised that Sanofi Vaccines Canada is discontinuing manufacture of the Pediacel® vaccine and will be transitioning to Pentacel® vaccine.
During the transition period, doses of Pediacel® vaccine can still be used until the expiration date. You can expect to see Pentacel® vaccine in your orders in late April or early May as our current inventory of Pediacel® vaccine is depleted. You may see both products in your vaccine orders during the early part of the product transition.
Important considerations
Pentacel® and Pediacel® vaccines are both pentavalent vaccines used to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilius influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib) in children from 2 months to 6 years of age (prior to their 7th birthday).
Although there are some notable differences between the two products including how they are packaged and prepared for administration, they are equivalent and interchangeable products. Important considerations are noted below. The product monograph is attached for your reference.
Pentacel® vaccine packaging
- Each package contains 5 single doses of DTaP-IPV vaccine (Quadracel®) in a vial and 5 single doses of Hib lyophilized vaccine (Act-Hib®) in a vial.
- Although the package contains separate Quadracel® and Act-Hib® vaccines, these vaccines should not be used as separate products and should only be used as DTaP-IPV-Hib. Quadracel® is no longer used in the province’s publicly funded immunization schedule and has been replaced by Tdap-IPV.
Pentacel® vaccine preparation
- The vaccine requires reconstitution. Reconstitute the vial of Act-Hib® with the vial of Quadracel®
- Thoroughly but gently shake the vial of Quadracel®, withdraw the entire contents of the liquid vaccine and inject slowly into the vial of lyophilized Act-Hib®. Swirl the vial now containing Pentacel® gently until a uniform, cloudy, white to off-white suspension results. Withdraw the total volume of reconstituted combined vaccine. Pentacel® should be used immediately after reconstitution.
Pentacel® administration
Children presenting to you who have received one or more previous doses of Pediacel® vaccine can have their vaccine series completed with Pentacel®, in accordance with current guidelines from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Previous doses of Pediacel® are valid and the series does not need to be restarted. The number of doses of vaccine and the specific product required for series completion depends on the child’s age and immunization history. Refer to the Ontario Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for further information.
Sanofi will be sending a Notification of Transition to the medical community along with a general questions and answers document.
Should you have additional questions, please contact us as outlined below.
Contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts
- To order or report a vaccine complete the Vaccine Order Form. Email to vaccineorder@phsd.ca or fax to 705.677.9616. Report vaccines using the updated reporting form and fax to 705.677.9616 (the form is also available in French).
- To report an adverse event following vaccination, complete the AEFI reporting form and fax to 705.677.9616.
- For immunization inquiries, call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705.522.9200, ext. 458 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
Sincerely,
Original Signed By
M. Mustafa Hirji MD, MPH, FRCPC
Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
NOTE: All Advisory Alerts are found on our website.
This item was last modified on April 12, 2024