Hexavalent vaccine could improve India’s immunisation programme: Study
A new study suggests that introducing a hexavalent vaccine into India's Universal Immunisation Programme could significantly improve efficiency by reducing the number of injections required for infants. Researchers note that while the vaccine's price is a major factor, operational savings could offset acquisition costs if procurement prices are reduced.
Why it matters
Streamlining childhood immunization schedules can increase vaccination coverage and reduce the burden on both healthcare workers and caregivers in a country that vaccinates 26 million babies annually.
Introducing the hexavalent (six-in-one) vaccine into India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) could improve the efficiency of the country’s childhood immunisation programme, according to a study conducted by the Union Health Ministry along with the George Institute for Global Health India, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and John Snow India Private Limited.
A hexavalent (six-in-one) vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects infants against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and polio in a single injection. It reduces the number of injections children need, eases the workload of frontline health workers, lowers cold-chain requirements, and saves caregivers’ time.
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