In clinical trials, compared to whole cell vaccines, Tripedia has produced fewer and milder local and systemic reactions. The pertussis component of Tripedia induces immunity against whooping cough, a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis currently occurs most frequently in infants under one year of age, with the highest incidence in those younger than six months. In the first stages of pertussis, an infant often has a runny nose, sneezing, slight fever and a dry, irritating cough. These episodes can last up to two months and can cause vomiting, choking, inability to breathe and injury to the brain due to a lack of oxygen.
Pneumonia is a frequent complication of the disease and a cause of pertussis-related deaths.
Pertussis also can lead to other serious events including encephalopathy, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death. Important parts of the Hib bacterium are not naturally highly antigenic. ActHIB provides long-term protection from Hib disease in infants, which is important because infants are most susceptible to Hib disease. Peak incidence of Hib disease, which is caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium, occurs in children between six and 12 months of age. Hib disease can induce life-threatening diseases in children, including bacterial meningitis, which is the leading cause of acquired mental retardation in U.S. children under five years of age.