Sanofi Pasteur MSD has launched in Spain the first hexavalent pediatric vaccine in liquid presentation that protects the child population against six diseases declared priority by the World Health Organization (WHO): Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and invasive infections caused by 'haemophilus influezae' type b (Hib).
The vaccine was approved in April 2013 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It includes all components in a single pre-filled syringe which facilitates its administration, saves time and minimizes possible handling errors by not requiring any type of reconstitution.
"We are very satisfied with the arrival of this vaccine in Spain. Its development demonstrates the strong commitment of Sanofi Pasteur MSD to offer innovative advances in the field of vaccines that contribute to improve public health in our country," said the director General of Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Ricardo Brage.
"The ease of the vaccination process plays an important role in pediatric vaccination. The hexavalent vaccine does not require reconstitution facilitates vaccination by health personnel and saves time, also avoiding the possible risks associated with the manipulation of the vials", has The pediatrician of the Basurto-Bilbao Hospital, Javier Arístegui, was settled.
The European Medicines Agency based its decision on the results of studies conducted in multiple centers, in which approximately 5,000 children participated. These studies compared Hexyon®, the name of the vaccine in Western Europe, with other combinations of authorized vaccines and demonstrated that the new hexavalent vaccine has a good safety profile and a strong immune response against the six diseases. Hexyon it has the same antigens that Pentavac, another of the vaccines already marketed by this company, and also add a new hepatitis B antigen which has been designed and produced expressly for inclusion in the new hexavalent vaccine.
To ensure proper protection three doses are recommended in primary vaccination (adapting to different guidelines used in Spain), followed by a booster dose that should be administered at least six months later. The vaccine is indicated for primary and booster vaccination in children aged between six weeks and twenty-four months of age, in accordance with the official recommendations of each European country.
