Kinrix ® ( DTaP and IPV) is a childhood vaccine. It is a combined vaccine that provides protection against the following diseases:
Kinrix is a booster vaccine approved for use in children four to six years old.
(Click Kinrix Uses for more information on what the vaccine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Kinrix does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to thimerosal can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal -- not even trace amounts. Some parents also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines; Kinrix does contain aluminum (0.6 mg per dose).
Unlike some vaccines, Kinrix is not made from human fetal components. While it is made using bovine (cow) materials, the bovine materials come from countries that do not have (or are not at high risk for) bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). In addition, part of this vaccine is grown in a line of monkey kidney cells.
Kinrix is made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.
This vaccine contains several different components, namely tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis antigens, and an inactivated (killed) polio virus. None of the components are "live," which means that Kinrix cannot cause diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, or polio. This is especially important for polio, since a different polio vaccine (the oral polio vaccine) can actually cause the disease in rare cases.
Simply stated, the components in Kinrix "trick" the body into thinking it has been exposed to these different infections. The body produces antibodies that will help fight the infection if future exposure occurs.
When and How to Get Kinrix
Some general considerations to keep in mind regarding Kinrix include the following:
- Kinrix is typically given as a single booster dose for children four to six years old.
- This vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually in the upper arm.
- Children can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if the child is moderately or severely ill.
Dosing Information
There is only one standard recommended dose for this vaccine (see Kinrix Dosage for more information).
Just like any vaccine, Kinrix may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience problems. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects, if any. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the most common side effects seen with Kinrix include but are not limited to:
- Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- Drowsiness
- Fever.
(Click Kinrix Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk to a healthcare provider before your child receives this vaccine if your child has:
- An immune-suppressing condition such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- A bleeding disorder
- Had any sort of a reaction to any vaccine before
- A moderate or severe illness
- A brain or nervous system disorder
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about all of the medicines your child is taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Should Kinrix Be Stored?
Kinrix should be stored in the refrigerator. The vaccine should never be frozen.
The vaccine is available in 0.5-mL, single-use vials or disposable prefilled syringes (without needles). The prefilled syringes contain dry natural latex rubber; the vials do not.
Is There a Generic Version of Kinrix?
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