Hexavalent Vaccine Research Articles

Valuing the cost of improving Chilean primary vaccination: a cost minimization analysis of a hexavalent vaccine

BackgroundThe phased withdrawal of oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is central to the polio ‘end-game’ strategy.MethodsWe analyzed the cost implications in Chile of a switch from the vaccination scheme consisting of a pentavalent vaccine with whole-cell pertussis component (wP) plus IPV/OPV vaccines to a scheme with a hexavalent vaccine with acellular pertussis component (aP) and IPV (Hexaxim®) from a societal perspective. Cost data were collected from a variety of sources including national estimates and previous vaccine studies. All costs were expressed in 2017 prices (US$ 1.00 = $Ch 666.26).ResultsThe overall costs associated with the vaccination scheme (4 doses of pentavalent vaccine plus 1 dose IPV and 3 doses OPV) from a societal perspective was estimated to be US$ 12.70 million, of which US$ 8.84 million were associated with the management of adverse events related to wP. In comparison, the cost associated with the 4-dose scheme with a hexavalent vaccine (based upon the PAHO reference price) was US$ 19.76 million. The cost of switching to the hexavalent vaccine would be an additional US$ 6.45 million. Overall, depending on the scenario, the costs of switching to the hexavalent scheme would range from an additional US$ 2.62 million to US$ 6.45 million compared with the current vaccination scheme.ConclusionsThe switch to the hexavalent vaccine schedule in Chile would lead to additional acquisition costs, which would be partially offset by improved logistics, and a reduction in adverse events associated with the current vaccines.

Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Type b Disease in the Post Hexavalent Era: Ten Years of Molecular Surveillance in Tuscany.

The epidemiologic characteristics of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease (HIBD) have markedly changed since the introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine worldwide. The immunization schedule against Haemophilus influenzae type b differs in Europe. This is a retrospective observational study which evaluates all the data included in the molecular surveillance register for invasive infectious diseases at the Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis at Meyer Children's University Hospital from December 2008 to December 2018 with a diagnosis of invasive HIBD in children <5 years of age. We identified 4 cases of HIBD: all the cases presented signs or symptoms of invasive infection and the H. influenzae type b was identified in cerebrospinal fluid, or blood or bronchoalveolar lavage by molecular test. The crude incidence for Hib invasive disease in Tuscany is 0.26/100,000 p-y in children younger than 5 years, significantly different from the incidence rate before the introduction of the Hib vaccination. Vaccination effectiveness can be estimated at 97.9% and the impact of hexavalent (2p+1) vaccine at 99.6%. This work confirms the high impact of the hexavalent vaccine 2p+1 schedule for HIBD in children <5 years, emphasizing the role of molecular test for HIBD diagnosis and surveillance.

Potential cost-effectiveness of a maternal Group B streptococcal vaccine in The Gambia

ObjectiveTo estimate neonatal health benefits and healthcare provider costs of a theoretical Group B streptococcal (GBS) hexavalent maternal vaccination programme in The Gambia, a low-income setting in West Africa. MethodsA static decision analytic cost-effectiveness model was developed from the healthcare provider perspective. Demographic data and acute care costs were available from studies in The Gambia undertaken in 2012–2015. Further model parameters were taken from United Nations and World Health Organisation sources, supplemented by data from a global systematic review of GBS and literature searches. As vaccine efficacy is not known, we simulated vaccine efficacy estimates of 50–90%. Costs are reported in US dollars. Cost-effectiveness thresholds of one (US$473, very cost effective) and three (US$1420, cost effective) times Gambian GDP were used. ResultsVaccination with a hexavalent vaccine would avert 24 GBS disease cases (55%) and 768 disability adjusted life years compared to current standard of care (no interventions to prevent GBS disease). At vaccine efficacy of 70%, the programme is cost-effective at a maximum vaccine price per dose of 12 US$ (2016 US$), and very cost-effective at a maximum of $3/dose. The total costs of vaccination at $12 is $1,056,962 for one annual cohort of Gambian pregnant women. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that GBS incidence was the most influential parameter on the cost effectiveness ratio. ConclusionThe introduction of a hexavalent vaccine would considerably reduce the current burden of GBS disease in The Gambia but to be cost-effective, the vaccine price per dose would need to be $12/dose or less.

Comparison of hepatitis B surface antibody levels induced by the pentavalent DTwP-HB-Hib versus the hexavalent DTaP-HB-Hib-IPV vaccine, administered to infants at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age, following monovalent hepatitis B vaccination at birth

BackgroundIn Thailand, the hepatitis B (HB) vaccine is administered as a tetravalent vaccine (DTwP-HB) to all infants at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, following an initial vaccination with a monovalent HB vaccine at birth. As part of ongoing vaccine evaluation, we aimed to compare the hepatitis B immunogenicity profiles of children who had received either the pentavalent (DTwP-HB-Hib) or the hexavalent (DTaP-HB-Hib-IPV) vaccine. MethodsTwo groups of infants, whose mothers previously received the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap), were randomly vaccinated with either pentavalent or hexavalent vaccine at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age, following monovalent HB vaccine at birth. Blood samples were obtained at birth, one-month post-primary series immunization (mo 7), pre-booster (mo 18), one-month post-booster (mo 19), and six months post-booster (mo 24). The third group of infants, whose mothers did not receive Tdap, was vaccinated with DTwP-HB-Hib (EPI pentavalent group). Levels of HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs were evaluated by means of an automated Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay. ResultsAnti-HBs levels of ≥10 mIU/ml were achieved in 99.2% (hexavalent group), 99.2% (pentavalent group), and 98.5% (EPI pentavalent group) of infants, after four-dose immunization (at 0, 2, 4, 6 months of age). One month after the additional dose given at 18 months of age, anti-HBs levels of ≥10 mIU/ml were observed in 100% (hexavalent group), 99.2% (pentavalent group), and 93.8% (EPI pentavalent group) of infants. At 24 months of age, higher percentages of infants achieving anti-HBs levels ≥10 mIU/ml were found in the hexavalent group (98.3%) compared to the pentavalent group (86.5%). ConclusionsBoth vaccines were effective in inducing anti-HBs levels of ≥10 mIU/ml, and therefore either can be used as a single formula booster at 18 months of age to simplify vaccine administration under the Expanded Program on Immunization in Thailand.

Vaccination rate and immunity of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease or autoimmune hepatitis in Germany

Background and aimsImmunosuppressed patients are at risk of severe infections with vaccination preventable diseases. We evaluated vaccination rate and immunity of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). MethodsImmunization rate of 329 children with IBD (n = 300) and AIH (n = 29) was assessed in seven German centres using vaccination certificates, history of chicken pox and by determining anti-varicella zoster virus (VZV) and anti-measles IgG antibodies. ResultsOf the total cohort 86% received long-term immunosuppression. Four doses of a hexavalent vaccine were documented in 89%, at least one dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination was documented in 325 (99%), with 300 (92%) receiving two doses. Anti-measles IgG concentrations were insufficient in 11% of the immunized patients.VZV vaccination was officially recommended in Germany since 2004, and implemented in 88% born from 2005 onwards. In patients born earlier VZV catch up vaccination only reached 25% (n = 67). Of 118 patients with documented VZV vaccination 25 (21%) did not display sufficient anti-VZV IgG. Of 198 patients with a history of chicken pox, six had undetectable anti-VZV IgG. Of 29 patients having neither had chicken pox nor VZV vaccination, 20 were found to have sufficient anti-VZV IgG. ConclusionsIn our cohort vaccination coverage for hexavalent and MMR vaccinations was good, but insufficient for VZV vaccination in patients born before 2005. Neither the vaccination certificate nor the history of chicken pox is reliable to predict VZV immunity indicating a need for serologic investigations and if needed vaccination before initiating immunosuppressive therapy.

Long-term follow-up of a vaccination program for infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers in Stockholm County, Sweden

We investigated the long-term antibody response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in babies born to chronically infected mothers. They received one dose of monovalent HBV vaccination at birth and one month of age, followed by 3 doses of hexavalent vaccine including an HBV component at ages 3, 5, and 12 months, respectively, with a very high percentage of protective anti-HBs levels at 13 months. At the age of 8–12 years, 56 out of 68 children (82%) had protective levels of anti-HBs, two had signs of anti-HBc seroconversion without any history of clinical disease and none had ongoing infection. A small subgroup was retested after one booster dose, in all resulting in increase in anti-HBs from below 10 IU/L to levels corresponding to protective immunity. We conclude that this vaccination strategy is effective throughout the first decade of life in avoiding chronic infection and in maintaining a good serological response.

Hepatitis B and pertussis antibodies in 4- to 5-year-old children previously vaccinated with different hexavalent vaccines

ABSTRACT In randomized active-comparator controlled studies, DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib showed comparable immunogenicity and safety to other licensed vaccines. This study assessed persistence of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs) and anti-pertussis antibodies, when children were 4 to 5 years of age, 3 to 4 years after initial infant/toddler hexavalent vaccination. This was an extension of 2 European studies in which infants/toddlers received either DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib or DTaP3-HB-IPV/Hib on a 2 + 1 or 3 + 1 schedule. Primary endpoints included percentages with anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL, and anti-pertussis toxin (PT), anti-filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), anti-pertactin (PRN), and anti-fimbriae types 2 & 3 (FIM) greater than or equal to the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ). One month after 2 + 1 or 3 + 1 dosing, nearly all toddlers had anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL, and responded to the received pertussis antigens. Approximately 3 to 4 years later, 65.8%-70.2% in the DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib and 82.0%-83.7% in the DTaP3-HB-IPV/Hib groups, respectively, had anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL. Percentages of children with pertussis antibodies above LLOQ after 2 + 1 dosing were 58.4% and 41.5% (anti-PT), 80.9% and 88.3% (anti-FHA), 66.1% and 72.6% (anti-PRN), and 94.4% and 3.3% (anti-FIM), in the DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib and DTaP3-HB-IPV/Hib groups, respectively. This study demonstrated, as expected, waning of hepatitis B and pertussis antibodies during the 3 to 4 years after completion of a 3 + 1 or 2 + 1 hexavalent vaccination schedule. Nonetheless, anti-HBs levels ≥10 IU/mL and detectable antibodies against acellular pertussis antigens persisted in most study participants. The implications of these findings for the long-term prevention of hepatitis B and pertussis are further discussed.

DTaP5-HBV-IPV-Hib pediatric hexavalent combination vaccine for use in children from 6 weeks through to 4 years of age

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Combination vaccines reduce the number of injections received by children, hence improving timeliness and coverage, and general acceptability among caregivers and health-care providers. The most recent hexavalent vaccine, DTaP5-HBV-IPV-Hib, has been also approved by the FDA.Areas covered: DTaP5-HBV-IPV-Hib has demonstrated good immunogenic and safety profiles, not inferior to other hexavalent vaccines already in use in the European market. Either (2p+1/3p+1) immunization schedules can be used with no significant differences. A low incidence of severe adverse events has been shown, similar to other combination vaccines. No issues have arisen when concomitantly administered with other vaccines.Expert opinion: The inclusion of two additional acellular pertussis components (FIM2 and FIM3) might yield better protection against the disease, but this remains to be clinically proven. The new vaccine uses Hib with unique protein carrier (PRP-OMPC) which elicits higher earlier immune response without compromising safety. Compliance with the immunization schedules is expected to increase by decreasing the number of injections needed in combined vaccines for a single visit. In addition, the improvements on the ease-of-use by its liquid-formulation, makes the vaccine preparation more acceptable for use in clinics and may reduce the odds of administration errors.

Hexavalent Vaccines in India: Current Status

Hexavalent vaccines containing diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, poliomyelitis, and hepatitis B virus antigens have the potential to be used for the primary series in India (6, 10, 14 weeks of age) and the toddler booster dose. Three hexavalent vaccines are available in India: DTwP-Hib/HepB-IPV (wP-hexa), DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP~T(2aP-hexa), and DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib (3aP-hexa). In the three published phase-3 Indian studies, pertussis 'vaccine response' rates 1 month after a 6-10-14-week primary series were 68.4-75.7% for wP-hexa, 93.8-99.3% for 2aP-hexa, and 97.0-100% for 3aP-hexa; seroprotection rates for the other five antigens were 88.2-100%, 49.6-100%, and 98.6-100%, respectively. Studies outside India show: good immunogenicity/safety after boosting dosing; immune persistence to age 4.5 years (2aP-hexa), 7-9 years (3aP-hexa) (all antigens), and 9-10 and 14-15 years, respectively (hepatitis B); and successful co-administration with other vaccines. Hexavalent vaccines could reduce the number of injections, simplify vaccination schedules, and improve compliance.

Pediatric vaccination appointment scheduling: experience from an Italian clinic

Abstract Issue/problem Since 2012 pediatric vaccination coverages in Italy have been decreasing. Negative trends have been recorded especially for hexavalent and MMR vaccines. In mid-2017 the Italian government passed an act making ten vaccines compulsory. Most recent data show the act is working, however other aspects of the process should be improved. Description of the problem Parents are invited to bring their children to the clinic through letters or telephone calls. Vaccination appointments are scheduled during weekdays, either in the morning, the afternoon, or both. Each session is carried out by a physician and a nurse, with a new patient scheduled every ten minutes. Appointments and vaccinations are registered on the vaccine-specific electronic health record (SISPC). Results In March 2019, the vaccination clinic worked 21 days for a total of 29 sessions. 823 appointments were available, 797 of them (96.8%) had a patient scheduled before the session started. 547 (68.6%) attended the vaccination appointment, 98.4% of them were vaccinated (538, 67.5% of the total patients scheduled). Among those who did not attend the scheduled appointment, only 108 (43.2%) agreed to reschedule. Eventually, only 58.3% of these patients attended the rescheduled appointment. No statistically significant differences among those who attended and those who did not attend the appointment were found among the variables retrieved from SISPC: day, time, vaccination planned (type, and if mandatory or not), sex, age. Lessons A third of available vaccination appointments in our clinic were lost. Despite the ease through which patients can reschedule an appointment, many choose not to and left their appointments unattended. Although missing a vaccination appointment can be appropriate - e.g. when the child is sick - and great effort should be put to achieve the goal of improving coverages, policymakers should also consider provisions to discourage such behaviors for a better use of resources. Key messages A third of available vaccination appointments in our clinic were lost in a month. Keeping in mind the goal of improving coverages, policymakers should aim for the best possible use of resources.

2698. Timing of Standalone Vaccine Administration in Infants Receiving DTaP-Based Combination Vaccines

BackgroundThe recommended US infant immunization schedule includes doses of DTaP, IPV, Hib and HepB during the first 6 months of life. The majority of infants receive DTaP as one of the two pentavalent combination vaccines (DTaP-IPV/Hib or DTaP-HepB-IPV); standalone HepB or Hib are used to complement these combinations in compliance with the recommendations. Little is known about the timing of standalone vaccine administration in relation to DTaP-based combination vaccines.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational cohort study using the US MarketScan commercial claims and encounters database. Infants included in the study were continuously enrolled in the same insurance plan for ≥13 months after birth, born from 1 July 2010 through 30 June 2016, and had received ≥3 doses of a pentavalent vaccine. Outcomes included the proportion of infants receiving concomitant pentavalent and standalone vaccines, and the deviation in days when these vaccines were not administered on the same date. Birth doses of HepB were not registered in the database but were presumed to have been received; therefore, the first registered HepB claim was considered to be HepB Dose-2, and the second claim was presumed to be HepB Dose-3.ResultsAmong infants who received DTaP-IPV/Hib (n = 175,574), 94.8% had claims for ≥3 doses of HepB. Although coverage was high, only 60.7% received HepB Dose-2 on the same day as DTaP-IPV/Hib Dose-1 (around 2 months of age), and only 45.1% received HepB Dose-3 on the same day as DTaP-IPV/Hib Dose-3 (around 6 months of age) (Figure 1). Many infants (46.2%) received HepB Dose-3 after the third dose of DTaP-IPV/Hib. Among infants who received DTaP-HepB-IPV (n = 97,206), 89.9% had claims for the recommended number of Hib doses; most (91% to 98%) of these doses were administered on the same day as doses of DTaP-HepB-IPV (Figure 2).ConclusionThere was variability in the timing of HepB doses in infants receiving DTaP-IPV/Hib. A newly licensed hexavalent vaccine, DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB, could synchronize and simplify the HepB administration schedule ensuring that more infants have completed the series by 6 months of age. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

A Phase II Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Immunogenicity of Hexavalent Vaccine(DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib) in Healthy Infants

A Phase II Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Immunogenicity of Hexavalent Vaccine(DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib) in Healthy Infants

DTaP-IPV-HepB-Hib Vaccine (Hexyon®): An Updated Review of its Use in Primary and Booster Vaccination

Hexyon® is a fully-liquid, ready-to-use, hexavalent vaccine approved in the EU since 2013 for primary and booster vaccination in infants and toddlers from age 6 weeks against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B (HB), poliomyelitis, and invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). While the source of HB antigen in Hexyon® is different from other vaccines, the rest of its valences have been extensively used in other approved vaccines. Hexyon® is highly immunogenic for all its component toxoids/antigens when used as primary and booster vaccine in infants and toddlers, irrespective of vaccination schedule. It provides durable protection against hepatitis B. Hexyon® can be used for a mixed primary series of hexavalent-pentavalent-hexavalent vaccines or as a booster in infants primed with Infanrix hexa™ or pentavalent (whole-cell or acellular pertussis) vaccines. Coadministration of Hexyon® with other common childhood vaccines did not affect immune response to any vaccines. Hexyon® has a good reactogenicity/safety profile. The immunogenicity and safety profile of Hexyon® was similar to that of several approved vaccines, including Infanrix hexa™. However, Hexyon® offers the convenience of full-liquid, ready-to-use formulation, which may minimize vaccination errors and preparation time. Thus, Hexyon® is a convenient, useful option for vaccination against childhood diseases caused by six major pathogens.

Integrated Safety Profile of a New Approved, Fully Liquid DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib Vaccine.

DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib is a fully liquid, hexavalent vaccine containing a 5-antigen pertussis component, approved since 2016 in Europe [Vaxelis; DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib vaccine: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (5 acellular components: pertussis toxoid [PT], filamentous haemagglutinin [FHA], pertactin (PRN), and fimbriae Types 2 and 3 [FIM]), hepatitis B (recombinant DNA: rDNA), poliomyelitis (inactivated) and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (adsorbed); MCM Vaccine B.V., The Netherlands] for primary and booster vaccination in infants and toddlers against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b. The comparator vaccine (control) was INFANRIX hexa (GlaxoSmithKline Biologics S.A., Rixensart, Belgium) (DTaP3-IPV-HepB/Hib) in European studies and PENTACEL (DTaP5-IPV/Hib) (Sanofi Pasteur, Swiftwater, PA) in US studies. Data from 6 studies were integrated and analyzed to provide a comprehensive safety profile. Numbers and proportions of subjects with adverse events (AEs) were summarized by treatment group. Group differences in proportion of AEs were calculated. Among the DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib (N = 5223) and 2295 control (N = 2295) groups, solicited injection-site and systemic AEs were very common. Serious AEs were reported by 3.9% of DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib and 3.7% of control subjects. Vaccine-related serious AEs occurred infrequently, 0.2% for both groups. Most AEs were mild-to-moderate and did not lead to subject withdrawal. Group differences for solicited systemic AEs were small (<3%) and not statistically significant, except for pyrexia (estimated difference 9.4% [95% CI: 6.7%-12%]). The difference was driven by the 2 US studies where the PENTACEL control group had a lower fever rate. Among European studies, there was no significant difference in rates of pyrexia between DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib and INFANRIX hexa. The safety of DTaP5-HB-IPV-Hib is consistent with the safety profile of its components and similar to comparator vaccines, including INFANRIX hexa. The vaccine provides a new, fully liquid and convenient hexavalent vaccination option for use with various vaccination schedules in Europe.

First hexavalent pediatric vaccine gains FDA approval

First hexavalent pediatric vaccine gains FDA approval

Knowledge and attitudes on pediatric vaccinations and intention to vaccinate in a sample of pregnant women from the City of Rome

BackgroundIn recent years, pediatric immunization rates in Italy have decreased well below the recommended thresholds, largely due to an increase in scepticism about the efficacy and safety of vaccines. We aimed to identify the degree of such scepticism, and the factors driving it, among a sample of pregnant women in the City of Rome. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey on a sample of pregnant women attending antenatal classes (CANs) in Rome through distribution of a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models were built to analyze the determinants of knowledge, attitudes and intention to vaccinate in this population. ResultsA total of 458 pregnant women attending CANs in 36 family health centers and two hospitals in Rome answered the survey. Mean age was 32.9 (±5.0) years, and over 90% of women were in their first pregnancy. More than 26% of respondents showed a good level of knowledge of the safety and efficacy of vaccines, but there were high rates of uncertainty or agreement with some of the most common anti-vaccination sentiments. Only 75% of women were sure about vaccinating their children with the hexavalent vaccine, and 64.3% with MMR. A good level of knowledge was the strongest predictor of positive attitudes towards vaccination (OR 11.61, 95% CI 6.43–20.96), which, in turn, influenced the intention to vaccinate for most vaccines with the perception of the benefit of immunization for protection against disease. ConclusionsScepticism about the safety, efficacy and importance of vaccines is associated to pregnant women’s hesitancy to vaccinate their children, suggesting the need to develop strategies to increase vaccine acceptance in the antenatal period. The capacity of health care professionals, particularly midwives, to correctly deliver information to future parents should be strengthened in order to reduce the spread of misinformation and fear of vaccine safety.

Epidemiology of pertussis and prevention strategies: problems and perspectives

Pertussis vaccination has made an important contribution to the reduction in incidence of the disease, but internationally pertussis reawakens, even in highly vaccinated population groups. This resurgence seems to be attributable to various reasons: non-optimal efficacy of the vaccine; fairly rapid decay of protective antibody titers in part of the population and above all their inadequacy in preventing infections and transmission of the pathogen also from infected subjects; selective pressure of extensive vaccination with emergence of mutated resistant strains; substantial impossibility of obtaining a herd effect with the vaccines which are available nowadays. The present work analyses the state of scientific knowledge and illustrates various topics that may challenge a prevention based only on the paediatric vaccine obligation using a hexavalent vaccine. Public health strategies must be rethought, considering also different solutions that aim to fight the disease in a more targeted and potentially more effective way, avoiding major damage to people at greater risk. A currently tested strategy is the vaccination of pregnant mothers, but the experimentation of solutions less interfering with the bacterial ecology could be also considered; these solutions may only aim at avoiding major damage to subgroups at greater risk and should be integrated with initiatives to improve surveillance systems, microbiological diagnosis and lifestyle-based prevention.

Knowledge and practices regarding infant vaccination: results of a survey of French physicians.

A prospective, observational, survey of pediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) was conducted to assess pediatric vaccination knowledge and practices. The survey was distributed by email to 1069 pediatricians and 1700 GPs and completed by 151 pediatricians (14.1%) and 201 GPs (11.8%). Knowledge of the vaccination calendar was very good (99% overall). Of the respondents, 98% were confident in vaccine efficacy. Eight-one percent of pediatricians and 62% of GPs agreed that recommended vaccinations should become obligatory; all prescribed hexavalent vaccines often or always. More pediatricians (88%) than GPs (75%) used anti-pyretics; the use of anesthetic cream/patches was similar in each group (79% and 75%, respectively). The ambience at vaccination was considered to be important by both groups, and was disturbed in 37% of cases. Seventy percent of pediatricians and 57% of GPs agreed that vaccine reconstitution (e.g., Hib pellet) is a complicating factor: overall, 28% reported occasionally omitting to reconstitute a pentavalent or hexavalent vaccine in error, and 60% reported having not fully reconstituted the vaccine. Almost all (93%) considered non-reconstitution as an important error.Conclusion: Overall, adherence to good vaccination practices was good, although errors in reconstitution were reported by physicians. These problems would be minimized by wider use of fully liquid vaccines. What is Known: • Pediatric vaccination schedules are crowded. • Good vaccination practices and the use of multivalent vaccines are essential to maintain good compliance to pediatric vaccination recommendations. What is New: • Overall good compliance to good vaccination practices by both pediatricians and GPs in France. • Omission of pentavalent or hexavalent vaccine reconstitution of Hib pellet and incomplete reconstitution reported by pediatricians/GPs. Awareness of pediatricians/GPs that omission and incomplete reconstitution are important errors.

Antibody persistence in pre-school children after hexavalent vaccine infant primary and booster administration

ABSTRACTObjective: Antibody persistence evaluation for all antigens of a fully liquid DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP~T vaccine at 3.5 and 4.5 y of age following different primary series and booster schedules in South Africa and Latin America.Methods: Participants had completed one of two previous studies (Study 1-South Africa; Study 2-Latin America). In Study 1, participants who had not received HB vaccine at birth received a 6–10-14 week primary series of DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP~T or DTwP/PRP~T-Hib+HB+OPV and a third group who had received HB vaccine at birth received a 6–10-14 week primary series of DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP~T; all received a booster (15–18 months) of the primary series vaccine(s) except for HB in the DTwP/PRP~T-Hib group. In Study 2, participants received HB vaccine at birth, a 2–4-6 month primary series of DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP~T or DTaP-HB-IPV//PRP~T, and a DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP~T or DTaP-HB-IPV//PRP~T booster (12–24 months). Participants were followed up at 3.5 and 4.5 y of age for antibody persistence.Results: Approximately 80% of eligible participants were assessed. In Study 1, a birth dose of HB increased anti-HBs persistence (≥10 mIU/mL) following DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP~T primary and booster vaccination from 76.3% to 96.1% at 3.5 y of age and from 73.3% to 96.1% at 4.5 y of age; in Study 2, anti-HBs persistence was high and similar in each group. For the other antigens, there were no differences between groups or studies at 3.5 or 4.5 y.Conclusion: Good persistence of antibodies to each antigen in the DTaP-IPV-HB-PRP~T vaccine up to pre-school age, irrespective of the vaccination schedule during the first 2 y of life.

Allergic contact eczema after hexavalent vaccine

Allergic contact eczema after hexavalent vaccine