Hexaxim Vaccine
(Hexavalent/6-in-1 Vaccine)
Protects against:
- Diphtheria: Severe throat infection, breathing difficulties, heart failure, death
- Tetanus: Lockjaw, painful muscle spasms, breathing problems, death
- Pertussis/Whooping Cough: Severe coughing fits, pneumonia, brain damage, infant death
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, epiglottitis
- Hepatitis B: Chronic liver infection, liver cancer, cirrhosis, liver failure
- Poliomyelitis (Polio): Paralysis, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, permanent disability, death
Who should get it:
- All infants and young children as part of routine immunization program
- Recommended starting at 6 weeks of age
- Essential for complete childhood protection
- Suitable alternative to separate DTwP and polio vaccines
Schedule:
Primary series – 3 doses:
- Dose 1: 6-8 weeks
- Dose 2: 10-16 weeks
- Dose 3: 14-24 weeks
Booster doses: typically at 16-24 months
Why vaccinate:
- Six vaccines in one injection – even fewer needle pricks for baby
- Provides early and comprehensive protection against six serious diseases
- Prevents deadly childhood diseases with no cure
- Reduces risk of severe complications and hospitalization
- More cost-effective and convenient than multiple separate vaccines
- Contains acellular pertussis (aP) – gentler with fewer side effects than whole-cell
- Proven safe and effective worldwide
- Protects during the most vulnerable period of life
- Helps achieve community immunity
- Reduces clinic visits and simplifies immunization tracking
Important note:
Hexaxim contains the acellular pertussis component (aP), which typically causes fewer side effects than whole-cell pertussis vaccines. It also includes inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) for complete polio protection. Completing all doses on schedule ensures maximum protection. Do not delay vaccination.