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Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (dif-THEER-ee-a and TET-n-us and per-TUSS-iss) vaccine (also known as DTP vaccine) combined with Haemophilus b conjugate (hem-OFF-fil-us BEE KON-ja-gat) vaccine (also known as Hib vaccine) is a combination immunizing agent used to prevent illness caused by diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against these diseases. DPT-Hib vaccine is also known as DTP-Hib vaccine. Diphtheria is a serious illness that can cause breathing difficulties, heart problems, nerve damage, pneumonia, and possibly death. The risk of serious complications and death is greater in very young children and in the elderly. Tetanus (also known as lockjaw) is a serious illness that causes convulsions (seizures) and severe muscle spasms that can be strong enough to cause bone fractures of the spine. Tetanus causes death in 30 to 40 percent of cases. Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is a serious disease that causes severe spells of coughing that can interfere with breathing. Pertussis can also cause pneumonia, long-lasting bronchitis, seizures, brain damage, and death. Infection by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningitis, which affects the brain; epiglottitis, which can cause death by suffocation; pericarditis, which affects the heart; pneumonia, which affects the lungs; and septic arthritis, which affects the bones and joints. Hib meningitis causes death in 5 to 10% of children who are infected. Also, approximately 30% of children who survive Hib meningitis are left with some type of serious permanent damage, such as mental retardation, deafness, epilepsy, or partial blindness. DTP-Hib vaccine is available in the following dosage form: Parenteral Injection (U.S. and Canada) Brand names: - DPT-Hib - Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed and Haemophilus B Conjugate Vaccine - Tetramune |