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Current status of vaccines against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib: A Review

Rushikesh Prabhakar Deshpande, and Balasaheb Ghongane

A liquid pentavalent vaccine containing DTwP-HepB-Hib was incorporated in the Universal Immunization Program of India with the funding from Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). India introduced pentavalent vaccine in two states namely, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala in 2011. The combination vaccine offers simplification of immunization schedule, reduced cost, better acceptance and logistic benefits. However, some experts have been raising concerns regarding safety of pentavalent vaccine owing to incidents of deaths and adverse effects like hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes following vaccine administration. Henceforth, there should be a vigilant approach towards prevention of potential adverse effects while spreading the coverage of pentavalent vaccine. The present article provides current status of potential benefits and risks associated with pentavalent vaccine against the diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae.