Protection against six childhood diseases with a hexavalent vaccine

ABSTRACT

Background There is an urgent call for combined vaccines, containing multiple antigens, to ensure compliance by physicians and parents with the increasing number of vaccines recommended for children. To address this need, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals has developed a range of acellular pertussis-based diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTPa) combination vaccines, the cornerstone of which is Infanrix™ (DTPa-GSK). These combination vaccines allow for flexibility and variations in schedules and recommendations in different countries. GSK's hexavalent vaccine (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib) covers six main diseases against which vaccination is recommended in many countries: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Clinical development In extensive clinical trials, the hexavalent GSK vaccine was well-tolerated and induced protective antibody levels against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B and polio. Decreased levels of antibody against H. influenzae type b were not considered clinically relevant mainly because they were compensated for by the induction of immune memory. The three pertussis antigens (PT, FHA and PRN) produced levels of antibodies that were equivalent to those specifically generated in efficacy trials with DTPa-GSK vaccine. Further support for the protective capacity of the hexavalent vaccine against pertussis came from mouse model data and post-marketing effectiveness studies. Conclusions This manuscript provides an overview of the clinical characteristics, immunogenicity, efficacy and reactogenicity of the hexavalent GSK vaccine. The safety and effectiveness of this combination will permit vaccination against six diseases with single injections, minimize the distress to infants and children, improve cost-effectiveness, and extend vaccine coverage. In addition, the hexavalent combination lends itself as the vaccine of choice for parents and healthcare providers for childhood vaccination schedules (AU)

RESUMEN

No disponible