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Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines - a South African perspective
1Department Medical Microbiology, Division Clinical Pathology, University of Pretoria, National Health Laboratory Services, Tshwane Academic Division, South Africa. adele.vis@gmail.com
Insights
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine significantly reduced childhood illness and death in South Africa. Despite costs, its inclusion in the national immunization program has proven effective.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is crucial for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.
- Incorporating the Hib vaccine into national Expanded Programs on Immunization (EPI) presents cost challenges, particularly for non-GAVI funded nations.
- Factors like reduced immune response in some populations and the potential need for booster doses complicate cost-benefit analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Hib vaccine introduction into South Africa's National EPI.
- To assess the effectiveness of combination vaccines containing Hib.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of invasive Hib disease incidence in South Africa post-vaccine introduction.
- Review of vaccine utilization data within the National EPI.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in invasive Hib disease observed following vaccine introduction.
- Successful integration of Hib vaccine via combination vaccines (Pentaxim and prior DTP-Hib) into the National EPI since 2009.
Conclusions:
- The introduction of the Hib vaccine into South Africa's National EPI has largely justified its utilization.
- Combination vaccines containing Hib have effectively reduced invasive Hib disease incidence.
Abstract:
Introduction of Hib vaccine is known to positively impact on reduction of both morbidity and mortality in children less than 5 years of age. Incorporation of this vaccine into a National EPI, however, does come at a significant cost, which is especially important in non-GAVI funded countries. Compounded reduction in response in certain patient populations and possible indication of booster doses further impacts on cost-benefit analyses. Despite these issues, South Africa has supplied Hib vaccine as part of the National EPI in the form of a combination vaccine, Pentaxim, which combines Hib with Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTP) and Poliomyelitis since 2009. Prior to this, another combination vaccine was utilized containing Hib and DTP. This has subsequently lead to a significant reduction in invasive Hib disease post-introduction, therefore largely justifying utilization.
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