The 6-in-1 vaccine, which, thanks to the combination of several vaccines in one preparation, allows to reduce the number of injections in a child during the implementation of the obligatory vaccination schedule. What are 6in1 vaccines? What is their vaccination schedule?

6in1 vaccinesare the so-calledcombination vaccines , designed to develop immunity tosix diseases caused by different microbes in a child . The 6-in-1 vaccination makes it possible to replace several vaccines included in the mandatorychild's vaccination schedulefor one vaccine and avoid multiple injections.

What's in the 6in1 vaccine?

The 6in1 vaccine contains:

  • DTPa - diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, pertussis antigens
  • IPV - inactivated poliomyelitis virus (type 1, 2 and 3)
  • HBV - hepatitis B virus (hepatitis B) antigen
  • Hib - lyophilized component of Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria

Protective vaccinations for the above microorganisms are obligatory in Poland. However, they are reimbursed as single vaccines. The 6in1 vaccine is issued on the basis of a prescription issued by a doctor, but it is not refundable.

The price of the 6-in-1 vaccine for one dose is about PLN 150-200.

Vaccine 6in1 - types

Two 6-in-1 vaccines are registered in Poland:

  • Hexacima (Sanofi Pasteur)
  • Infanrix Hexa (GlaxoSmithKline)

Vaccination 6in1 - vaccination calendar

The decision to vaccinate the child with the 6-in-1 vaccine should be made earlier, because after taking the first dose it will not be possible to change the vaccination schedule in the child.

The 6-in-1 vaccination schedule can follow two schedules, which differ in the number of doses taken and the age at which the child can take the first dose.

The first regimen consists of a two-dose vaccination plus a booster dose:

  • the first dose is taken at 3 months of age
  • the second dose is taken at 5 months of age
  • the third (booster) dose is taken between 11 and 13 months of age

The second regimen consists of a three-dose vaccination plus a booster dose:

  • the first dose is taken whenthe child turns 6 weeks
  • the second dose is taken at 4 months of age
  • the third dose is taken between 5 and 6 months of age
  • the fourth dose (booster) is taken between 16 and 18 months

It is importantto keep the appropriate intervalsbetween each dose of the vaccine. For a two-dose-plus dose regimen, the time interval between doses and the priming course should be at least2 months . For a three dose plus booster regimen, there should be an interval of at least 6 monthsbetween the last dose and the booster dose. However, the interval between successive doses should be at least1 month .

Vaccination 6in1 - contraindications

Contraindications to the 6-in-1 vaccine are:

  • allergic to any component of the vaccine
  • development of an allergic reaction to any diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B or Haemophilus influenzae vaccines
  • Nervous system disorders occurrence within 7 days of pertussis vaccine administration
  • fever above 38 ° C

Vaccination 6in1 - side effects

Like any vaccine, the 6in1 vaccine can also cause side effects on rare occasions. After the administration of the 6in1 vaccine, the most common observations in the child are:

  • pain, redness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site
  • loss of appetite
  • fever over 38 ° C
  • sleepiness, irritability, excessive tearfulness and anxiety

These symptoms usually disappear within a few days.

Very rare post-vaccination complications include:

  • itchy rash on hands and feet
  • swelling around the eyes and face
  • difficulty breathing and swallowing
  • collapse, loss or periods of unconsciousness
  • seizures or fits
  • diffuse swelling of the limb where the vaccine was administered
  • bleeding or bruising more easily
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