Is Pentavalent the same as Hexavalent?

No. Pentavalent covers five infections (DTP + HepB + Hib). Hexavalent covers six: it adds polio (IPV). Pentavalent is used in the government UIP schedule; Hexavalent is more common in private practice.

My baby had a high fever after Pentavalent. Should I be worried?

A fever within 24 hours of Pentavalent is a common reaction and usually settles with paracetamol and rest. If the fever is very high, lasts more than two days, or your baby seems unwell in other ways, contact your pediatrician.

Pentavalent Vaccine: Schedule & Side Effects

Protects against: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Hepatitis B, Hib disease
How given: Injection, usually in the thigh.
Doses: Three primary doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with a booster at 16-18 months.
Reactions: More noticeable

About this vaccine

The Pentavalent vaccine combines five protections into one injection: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Hib disease. By combining them, it reduces the number of separate shots a baby needs during the busy first few months. It forms the backbone of the primary infant schedule in India under the UIP programme.

What it protects against

Disease

Diphtheria

A bacterial infection that can block breathing and damage the heart.

Disease guide Disease

Tetanus

A serious infection caused by bacteria entering through wounds.

Disease guide Disease

Whooping cough

A highly contagious cough that is especially dangerous for young babies.

Disease guide Disease

Hepatitis B

A liver infection that can become long-term if caught in infancy.

Disease guide Disease

Hib disease

A bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and pneumonia in young children.

Disease guide

When it's given

IndiaGovernment of India · 2026

6 weeksDose 1
10 weeksDose 2
14 weeksDose 3
16–18 monthsBooster

View full schedule

PhilippinesPIDSP · 2026

6 weeksDose 1
10 weeksDose 2
14 weeksDose 3

View full schedule

PhilippinesDepartment of Health Philippines · 2026

6 weeksDose 1
10 weeksDose 2
14 weeksDose 3

View full schedule

Ages follow the schedules listed above. Your pediatrician may adjust timing for your child.

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How it's given

Injection, usually in the thigh. This vaccine covers multiple infections in a single dose, reducing the number of separate injections needed at each visit.

Side effects & safety

A baby may be fussy or run a mild fever, with some redness and swelling at the injection site. This usually settles within a day or two.

How babies usually reactMore noticeable

Fever, fussiness and injection-site swelling are common for 1-2 days. This is expected and settles on its own.

When to call your doctor: if fever exceeds 40°C, lasts more than 2 days, or your child seems unusually unwell.

Alternatives & related vaccines

HexavalentA single shot protecting against six infections, including polio and hepatitis B.Vaccine guide

Common questions

Sources

UIP Immunization Handbook · Govt of India, 2023.

Information on this page is compiled from authoritative public health sources and written in TinyDose's own voice. It is intended for general understanding only. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance.

Other vaccines

BCG OPV IPV DTaP All vaccines

From the blog

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This information is provided by TinyDose for general understanding only and is not medical advice. Vaccine names, ages and doses can vary by country, brand and individual circumstances. Always follow the guidance of your pediatrician or local health authority for your child’s vaccination schedule.

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