Review of 8 years of experience with Infanrix hexa (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib hexavalent vaccine).
Combination vaccines that include multiple antigens within one formulation are now widely accepted as an effective means of eliciting protection against several diseases at the same time. Owing to improvements in quality and convenient modes of administration, they have become part of routine pediatric practice. Hexavalent vaccines, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b antigens represent the latest advance in the development of combination vaccines. Over 8 years since its first licensure, this review looks at the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety profile of the only hexavalent pediatric vaccine currently in use--Infanrix hexa (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertusis-hepatitis B virus-inactivated poliovirus vaccine/Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine [DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib]; GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium)--through published clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance data. These data show DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib to be highly immunogenic and well tolerated across a range of different primary and booster vaccination schedules, as well as when administered concomitantly with other licensed vaccines (e.g., pneumococcal conjugate vaccine). Additional issues surrounding the use of hexavalent vaccines are also reviewed.
Zepp
Fred
F
University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany. zepp@kinder.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Schmitt
Heinz-Josef
HJ
Cleerbout
Jan
J
Verstraeten
Thomas
T
Schuerman
Lode
L
Jacquet
Jeanne-Marie
JM
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D022681:Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D011054:Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D017778:Vaccines, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology
D022681:Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines; D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines; D011054:Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated; D017778:Vaccines, Combined