[1] It protects against the infectious diseases diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and hepatitis B.
[5] The DTaP portion of the vaccine protects against three bacterial infections: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Diphtheria is a bacterium that causes problems with breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and in some cases death.
[6] Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is the is "aP" portion of the DTaP vaccine.
[8] Polio is a life-threatening disease that can cause paralysis, poor muscle function that weakens the ability to breath, and brain problems.
[11] For protecting against DTaP viruses, polio, and hepatitis B, Pediarix is the recommended formulation.
[11] Pediarix is vaccine that is protective against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio.
[14] This vaccine is FDA approved to be administered to infants in three doses between ages six weeks and six years.
[16] From the moment of birth, babies can become infected with these life-threatening diseases, which is why this vaccine is recommended to be given so early on.
[15] Because the Pediarix vaccine has HepB, is it important to note the mother's HBsAg status.