The 6-in-1 Hexavalent Vaccine is Now Available Free at All Government Public Hospitals

The 6-in-1 Hexavalent Vaccine is Now Available Free at All Government Public Hospitals

Little asian girl receiving vaccination from doctor at hospital

 

Prevention is better than cure’ is an age-old adage, first uttered by Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus in around 1500. This proverb, passed on through generations, is now a fundamental modern healthcare principle and also, the basis of how important vaccination is in the prevention of life-threatening infectious diseases. For parents especially, the idea of their beloved little ones harmed by all sorts of health ailments can be frightening. 

 

The WHO reports more than 2 million children deaths each year from vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). In 2019, the WHO identified hesitancy toward vaccination as one of the top 10 public health threats. Statistics show that in 2016, 12 million babies (1 in 10 babies) less than a year old were not vaccinated. 

 

Latest vaccine on the National Immunization Program combats 6 life-threatening diseases in a simpler schedule

 

Life-threatening and infectious VPDs that have been highlighted as harmful to children in recent years include these 6 diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Poliomyelitis, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B and Hepatitis B. 

 

Just this month, our country’s Ministry of Health (MoH) announced the transition to the 6-in-1 vaccine (Hexavalent vaccine) under the National Immunization Program (NIP) in efforts to continue providing infants with the best possible protection in healthcare. This means that the Hexavalent vaccine, which immunizes infants from the 6 above-mentioned diseases, will be now be available at all MoH health facilities nationwide. 

 

doc giving injection

 

 

Parenthood spoke with Dr. JoAnn Rajah, a Consultant Paediatrician with ABC Children Specialist Clinic to find out why was it required for the Hexavalent vaccine to replace the previous one, how safe is the vaccine, and as we battle the current Covid-19 pandemic, is this a good time to visit our doctors for the jab. 

 

Parenthood (PH): What is the Hexavalent vaccine and what are the benefits of having this 6-in-1 vaccine (Hexavalent vaccine) on our Ministry of Health’s (MoH) National Immunization Program (NIP) for parents and children?

 

Dr. JoAnn Rajah: The Hexavalent vaccine immunizes a child against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Polio as well as Hepatitis B. In Hexavalent, a child is protected against 6 life-threatening diseases, all in one vaccine. So, if we look at the current immunisation schedule, the Hexavalent vaccine would be given at the second month, third month and fifth month, followed by an additional booster at 18 months. 

 

This would mean a child will be protected against 6 life-threatening diseases only with 5 shots. Compared to previously, a child would require 7 shots in order to get similar protection. This would mean fewer injections, hence less stress and less discomfort for both child and parent. With the Hexavalent vaccine, our immunisation schedule is going to be more simplified which means it’s going to be more convenient for parents and time saving. 

 

Hence, parents would be able to ensure that their children’s vaccination are given on time. Last but not least, fewer injections would also mean fewer appointments, hence doctors at the Ministry of Healthcare facilities would be able to spend more time with your child to monitor their growth and development. 

 

PH: Why was it required for the Hexavalent vaccine to replace the previous one on the MoH’s NIP?

 

Dr. JoAnn: It has always been a natural progression from the 3-in-1 vaccine in 2008 to the 5-in-1 vaccine in 2010 and currently the 6-in-1 vaccine in Malaysia. There’s always going to be changes in medical advancement and combination vaccine is one of them. With the medical advancement in combination vaccine, it only makes sense for the Hexavalent vaccine to be included into the National Immunisation Programme, making it available to as many children as possible via the Ministry of Healthcare facilities. 

 

As a paediatrician, I am fully supportive of this move by the Ministry of Health because it makes it easier for parents to care for their children’s health. This is certainly a huge gift by our Ministry of Health because it will save millions of children’s lives. The introduction of the Hexavalent vaccine is actually in line with global trends. As of 20th October 2020, 49 countries throughout the world also introduced this vaccine into their respective immunisation programme. 

 

A Vaccinated Child is a Healthier, Stronger Child

 

PH: These 6 infectious diseases the Hexavalent vaccine protects children from…how are these diseases life-threatening?

Dr. JoAnn: These diseases are harmful because they are infectious and life-threatening. 

Diphtheria – Infection of the throat and nose that can cause breathing difficulties, heart failure, paralysis and death.

Tetanus – Infection of the nervous system that can cause muscle cramps especially in the jaw and neck and often can cause death.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – Infection of the respiratory tract that can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain inflammation and death.

Poliomyelitis – Infection of the nervous system that can cause permanent paralysis and can be fatal.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B – Deadly infection that can cause inflammation of the brain lining, bacterial infections in the blood and pneumonia.

Hepatitis B – Infection of the liver that can cause severe liver damage and lead to cancer.

 

PH: How safe is the vaccine and do parents have to be concerned that their infants may suffer the possibility of side effects from being vaccinated with the Hexavalent vaccine?

 

Dr. JoAnn: Combination vaccines have been used for more than a decade. The Hexavalent vaccine, in particular, has been used in Malaysia since 2013. Till date, no adverse effects have been reported. In Malaysia, the drug control authority and the Ministry of Health would only allow a vaccine to be included in the National Immunisation Programme after it has undergone strict registration, approval processes and evaluation. Furthermore, large-scale clinical trials, study and researches have shown that the Hexavalent vaccine is safe and effective. 

 

There’s no need for parents to be worried because the side effects from vaccine are generally mild, which includes having a mild fever, pain or swelling at the injection site. Hence, parents should not miss out this opportunity in protecting their children from these 6 life-threatening diseases.

 

PH: What would your suggestion be for parents whose children are in the midst of the 5-in-1 vaccine program? How do they move to the Hexavalent vaccine? 

 

Dr. JoAnn: It will be a gradual transition from the previous vaccine to the Hexavalent vaccine, as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Health. Hence, for parents who have any doubts, I strongly advise that they seek the counsel of their doctors for further clarification. 

 

PH: Some parents may fear visiting the clinics / hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic. What is your advice to parents in this case on keeping to the immunisation schedule?

 

Dr. JoAnn: I would encourage all parents to keep their children’s vaccination up to date.  A vaccinated child is indeed a healthier child. While we are battling the Covid-19 pandemic, let us not forget that there are other life-threatening diseases out there that can seriously harm our children like the six diseases that the Hexavalent vaccine protects our children from. And now, since the Hexavalent vaccine is included into the National Immunisation Programme, more parents nationwide would have access to this vaccine.

 

Infographics_6 Things Parents Will Want To Know About Hexavalent Vaccine (ENG)

 

 

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