Acellular Hexavalent Vaccine in Pasto, Colombia
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New Hexavalent Vaccine Available in [country Name] for Infants
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A new six-in-one vaccine is now available to protect infants against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, and invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus Influenza type B.
What is the Hexavalent Vaccine?
The acellular hexavalent vaccine offers complete protection against six serious childhood diseases in a single dose. These include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, and infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), such as meningitis and pneumonia. According to Daniela Murillo, a nurse at the Child Health area of the Ministry of Health, this combined approach simplifies the vaccination schedule and ensures broad immunity.
Vaccination Schedule and Eligibility
The recommended vaccination schedule involves three doses administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. However, due to the current circulation of whooping cough in the country, vaccination can be started as early as 6 weeks of age, according to the municipal Health Secretary.
The vaccine is specifically targeted towards the following infants:
- Infants born on or after April 1, 2025, weighing less than 1,500 grams (premature or full-term) who have not received any dose of the pentavalent vaccine.
- Infants who have started the vaccination regimen with the acellular hexavalent vaccine at any institution (public or private) but haven’t completed it.
- Infants who have experienced adverse events after receiving the pentavalent vaccine.
- infants born between January 1 and March 31, 2025, weighing less than 1,500 grams with no prior vaccination history with either pentavalent or hexavalent vaccines.
Why the Change to Hexavalent?
the introduction of the hexavalent vaccine represents a shift from the previously used pentavalent vaccine. This change is likely driven by a desire to streamline the vaccination process and possibly reduce the number of injections required for infants. The specific reasons for this transition, and any data comparing the efficacy and safety of the two vaccines, would require further investigation and official statements from the Ministry of Health.
Accessing the Vaccine
The Ministry of Health encourages parents, guardians, and caregivers to visit their nearest health center to access this free, safe, and timely vaccination for their children. Vaccination is a crucial step in protecting infants from preventable diseases and ensuring a healthy start to life.