At what age can Vaxelis (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed, Inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus b Conjugate and Hepatitis B Vaccine) no longer be administered to children?

Maximum Age for Vaxelis Administration

Vaxelis should not be administered to children 5 years of age or older (at or after the 5th birthday), as it is only licensed for use in infants and toddlers from 6 weeks through 4 years of age. 1

Age Limitations

• The upper age limit for Vaxelis is before the 5th birthday - the vaccine is specifically indicated for primary and booster vaccination in infants and toddlers from 6 weeks of age, but not for children who have reached 5 years of age. 2

• The minimum age for the first dose is 6 weeks, and the standard dosing schedule consists of 3 doses at 2,4, and 6 months of age. 1

Why This Age Restriction Exists

• Vaxelis is designed for the infant/toddler vaccination series only - it is not formulated or licensed for use in older children who would require different vaccine formulations (such as Tdap instead of DTaP). 1

• The Hib component in particular has age restrictions, as children 6 years and older are generally not at risk of Hib disease and the vaccine is not recommended for this age group. 3

Important Clinical Context

• Vaxelis should NOT be used for booster doses beyond the primary series - separate DTaP vaccine is needed for the fourth dose at 15-18 months, separate Hib conjugate vaccine for the booster at 12-15 months, and separate IPV vaccine for the fourth dose at 4-6 years. 1

• If a child has not completed their primary series by age 5, they would need to receive catch-up vaccination with age-appropriate formulations rather than Vaxelis. 1

Common Pitfall to Avoid

• Do not attempt to use Vaxelis in children who have reached their 5th birthday, even if they are behind on their vaccination schedule - age-appropriate catch-up vaccines must be used instead. 1, 2