DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine (Infanrix hexa)

Monique P Curran1, Karen L Goa

  • 1Adis International Limited, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz

Drugs
|March 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The Infanrix hexa vaccine provides strong infant protection against six diseases. Booster doses at 18 months ensure sustained immunity, demonstrating good tolerability and effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Vaccinology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Infant vaccination is crucial for preventing communicable diseases.
  • The diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-hepatitis B recombinant (adsorbed)-inactivated poliomyelitis-adsorbed conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib) is a combination vaccine for primary immunization.
  • Evaluating vaccine efficacy and safety in infants is essential for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the immunogenicity and tolerability of the DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine in infants.
  • To compare the immune response elicited by DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib with alternative vaccination schedules.
  • To evaluate the safety profile of DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib, including coadministration with other vaccines.

Main Methods:

  • Infants received primary vaccination with DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib.
  • Seroprotection levels against diphtheria, tetanus, poliovirus, pertussis antigens, hepatitis B, and H. influenzae type b were measured.
  • Immune responses were compared to infants receiving different vaccine combinations.
  • Adverse reactions were monitored following vaccination.

Main Results:

  • The DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine induced high seroprotection against all targeted antigens.
  • 97% of infants achieved protective anti-PRP levels after the 18-month booster dose.
  • The vaccine elicited an immune response comparable to separate pentavalent and monovalent vaccines.
  • Coadministration with a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was well-tolerated and effective.
  • The vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with mostly mild to moderate systemic and local reactions.

Conclusions:

  • The DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine is effective in providing seroprotection against six serious childhood diseases.
  • The vaccine demonstrates a favorable safety profile and is well-tolerated in infants.
  • This combination vaccine offers a convenient and immunogenic option for primary infant immunization schedules.

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