Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Tripacel
What the vaccine is used for:
TRIPACEL® is a vaccine that is used to help prevent diphtheria, tetanus (lock jaw) and pertussis (whooping cough) infections. This vaccine may be given to children aged 2 months or older. It may also be given as a booster to children up to age 7.
The majority of children who are vaccinated with TRIPACEL® will produce enough antibodies to help protect them against these 3 diseases. However, as with all vaccines 100% protection cannot be guaranteed.
What the vaccine does:
TRIPACEL® causes the body to produce its own natural protection against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). After your child receives the vaccine, the body begins to make substances called antibodies. Antibodies help the body to fight disease. If a vaccinated person comes into contact with one of the germs that cause these diseases, the body is usually ready to destroy it.
When it should not be used:
- Do not give TRIPACEL® to a child who has an allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine, or has had an allergic reaction after receiving a vaccine that contained similar ingredients.
- Do not give TRIPACEL® to a person who has had a serious nervous system disorder within 7 days after a previous pertussis vaccine. In case of progressive nervous system disorder or uncontrolled epilepsy, vaccination may be considered only after a treatment has been established and the condition is stabilized.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Each 0.5 mL dose of TRIPACEL® contains: diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, acellular pertussis vaccine (pertussis toxoid, filamentous haemagglutinin, pertactin and fimbriae types 2 and 3).
What the non-medicinal ingredients are:
Aluminum phosphate and 2-phenoxyethanol. Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are present in trace amounts.
What dosage forms the vaccine comes in:
TRIPACEL® is a liquid vaccine that is injected into a muscle. A single dose is 0.5 mL.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
If your child has any of the following conditions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist BEFORE the child receives TRIPACEL®:
- A high fever or serious illness. Wait until the child is better to give the vaccination.
- An allergy to any component of the vaccine.
- A serious nervous system adverse event following a previous pertussis vaccination.
- Diseases of the immune system or taking a medical treatment that affects the immune system. The vaccine may provide your child with a lower level of protection than it does for people with healthy immune systems. If possible, try to postpone the vaccination until after your child has completed the treatment.
- A bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning medications. Tell the person giving the injection about your child’s condition. The injection must be done carefully to prevent excessive bleeding.
- A higher risk of seizure than the general population. A fever-reducing medication may be given to your child.
- Fainted with a previous injection. Fainting can occur following vaccination. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent falling injury.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS VACCINE
TRIPACEL® may be mixed with Act-HIB®. Do not mix TRIPACEL® with other vaccines or medicinal products in the same syringe.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
PROPER USE OF THIS VACCINE
Usual Dose
A single dose of 0.5 mL is recommended for routine immunization of infants at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age and in children up to their 7th birthday.
The vaccination should be given in the muscle, preferably in the thigh for children up to 1 year-old. In children >1 year of age, the shoulder is the preferred site since use of the thigh results in limping due to muscle pain.
Overdose
In case of drug overdose, contact a health-care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose
If immunization is delayed for any reason – the recommended schedule is:
- 3 single doses of 0.5 mL with 2 months between doses
- A 4th dose given 6 to 12 months after the 3rd dose.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
A vaccine, like any medicine, may cause side-effects. Common reactions include redness, swelling or pain at the site of injection. They may also have vomiting, listlessness and pallor.
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if your child is not feeling well after receiving TRIPACEL®.
Serious side effects are extremely rare.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking TRIPACEL®, contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE THE VACCINE
Store the vaccine in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (35° to 46°F). Do not freeze. Throw the product away if it has been exposed to freezing.
Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep out of reach of children.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
To monitor vaccine safety, the Public Health Agency of Canada collects information on serious and unexpected case reports on adverse events following immunization.
For Health Care Professionals:
If a patient experiences an adverse event following immunization, please complete the appropriate Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) Form and send it to your local Health Unit in your province/territory.
For the General Public:
Should your child experience an adverse event following immunization, please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to complete the Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) Form.
If you have any questions or have difficulties contacting your local health unit, please contact Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada:
By toll-free telephone: (1-866-844-0018)
By toll-free fax: (1-866-844-5931)
By email: caefi@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Web: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/vs-sv/index-eng.php
By regular mail:
The Public Health Agency of Canada
Vaccine Safety Section
130 Colonnade Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
A/L 6502A
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of the side effect, please contact your health care provider before notifying the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada does not provide medical advice.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found at: www.sanofipasteur.ca
You may also contact the vaccine producer, Sanofi Pasteur Limited, for more information. Telephone: 1-888-621-1146 (no charge) or 416-667-2779 (Toronto area). Business Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday to Friday.
Last revised: 2026-04-20
R11-0513 Canada