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NISH (NITAG Support Hub) 12: Whole-cell (wP) Hexavalent vaccine: Home

This Library Guide is a collection of useful documents & evidence on the efficacy, effectiveness and impact of the whole-cell (wP) Hexavalent vaccine and (wP) Pentavalent vaccine to support NITAG members and other policy makers throughout Africa with mak

Introduction

This Library Guide is a collection of useful documents & evidence on the efficacy, effectiveness and impact of the whole-cell (wP) Hexavalent vaccine and (wP) Pentavalent vaccine to support NITAG members and other policy makers throughout Africa with making evidence-based recommendations.

This LibGuide will concentrate on publications on the Whole-Cell (wP) Hexavalent vaccine and Whole-Cell (wP) Pentavalent vaccine

 

What is the difference between Whole-Cell Pertussis (wP) Hexavalent and Acellular Pertussis (aP) Hexavalent Vaccine?

1. Whole-Cell Pertussis (wP) Hexavalent Vaccine

  • Contains whole, inactivated Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

  • Example: DTwP-HepB-Hib-IPV (e.g., HEXASIIL®).

  • Known for strong, long-lasting immunity.

  • Associated with more side effects (e.g., fever, redness, swelling, irritability) due to a higher immune response.

  • Typically used in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to its lower cost and better herd immunity.

2. Acellular Pertussis (aP) Hexavalent Vaccine

  • Contains purified pertussis antigens (instead of whole bacteria), such as pertussis toxin and filamentous hemagglutinin.

  • Example: DTaP-HepB-Hib-IPV (e.g., Infanrix Hexa®).

  • Causes fewer side effects but may lead to waning immunity, requiring booster doses.

  • Preferred in high-income countries where safety concerns outweigh herd immunity considerations.

Key differences at a glance


 

Hexavalent vaccine OR 6-in-1 vaccine

A hexavalent vaccine, or 6-in-1 vaccine, is a combination vaccine with six individual vaccines conjugated into one, intended to protect people from multiple diseases. The term usually refers to the children's vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, haemophilus B, and hepatitis B, which is used in more than 90 countries around the world.

Types of wP Hexavalent vaccines

  • Shan6® (Shantha Biotechnics/Sanofi Pasteur) – Contains wP along with DTP, Hep B, IPV (inactivated polio vaccine), and Hib.

  • EasySix® (Panacea Biotec) – Similar composition, used in some countries.

Pentavalent vaccine OR 5-in-1 vaccine

Pentavalent vaccine provides protection to a child from 5 life-threatening diseases – Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib

Types of wP Pentavalent vaccines

  • Shan5® (Shantha Biotechnics/Sanofi Pasteur) – A widely used pentavalent vaccine with wP.

  • Pentavac® (Serum Institute of India) – Another popular wP-based pentavalent vaccine.

  • ComBE Five® (Biological E) – Used in many immunization programs globally.

  • Quinvaxem® (LG Life Sciences, previously Berna Biotech) – One of the first wP-based pentavalent vaccines, used in Gavi-supported programs.

  • Easyfive® (Panacea Biotec) – Another option used in multiple countries.

Countries with mandatory childhood vaccination policies