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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 safety, efficacy, effectiveness and impact of the whole-cell (wP) Hexavalent vaccine to support NITAG members and other policy makers throughout Africa with making evidence-based r

Introduction

This Library Guide is a collection of useful documents & evidence on the safety, 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.

Research question and PICO

Research question

 

Is the safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness profile of  four doses of wP Hexavalent vaccine (DwPT-HepB-Hib-IPV) given at 6, 10, 14 weeks and 12 to 23 months  similar to that of 3 three doses of Pentavalent vaccine (DwPT-HepB-Hib) given at  6, 10, 14 weeks plus 2 doses of IPV at 3 and 9 months?

 

 

P:  child OR children OR baby OR babies OR infant OR newborn OR neonates OR preschool

I:  4 doses wP Hexavalent vaccine OR DwPT-HepB-Hib-IPV vaccine OR whole cell hexavalent vaccine OR whole-cell vaccine OR 6-in-1    vaccine

C: 3 doses wP Pentavalent vaccine OR DwPT-HepB-Hib vaccine OR  whole cell pentavalent vaccine OR whole-cell vaccine OR 5-in-1 vaccine

O: safety OR immunogenicity OR cost effectiveness

 

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.