Vaccination has been one of the most significant advancements in modern medicine, safeguarding countless lives and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Among the numerous vaccines available, the Infanrix Hexa Injection stands out as a comprehensive solution, offering protection against six deadly diseases with a single injection. This innovative vaccine helps shield children from Diphtheria, Tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Poliomyelitis (polio). 

Understanding the 5 most common and deadly diseases

Here is a breakdown of the five most well-known diseases and what the indicators of those look like: 

1. Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an illness triggered by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It mainly impacts the mucous membranes in the throat and nose, resulting in a thick layer that can obstruct breathing, and potentially lead to heart failure, paralysis, or even death if not treated. This highly contagious infection spreads via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Immunization is essential to prevent outbreaks and safeguard public health.

2. Tetanus

Tetanus, commonly known as "lockjaw," is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium releases a toxin that impacts the nervous system, causing severe muscle stiffness and spasms, especially in the jaw and neck. Tetanus does not spread from person to person but enters the body through cuts or wounds contaminated with the bacteria. Immunization is an effective remedy to prevent tetanus, given its potentially deadly consequences.

3. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium capable of causing serious infections, particularly in young children. It can result in illnesses such as meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis (inflammation of the windpipe), all of which can be life-threatening. Before the vaccine was introduced, this bacterium was a major cause of bacterial meningitis in children under five. Vaccination has significantly decreased the occurrence of diseases associated with Hib, making it an essential part of childhood immunization programs.

4. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a severe and commonly observed viral infection, affecting the liver. It can result in both acute and chronic liver disease, with chronic Hepatitis B potentially leading to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. The virus spreads through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. The Hepatitis B vaccine prevents the infection and its severe long-term consequences.

5. Pertussis 

Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, is a respiratory disease that spreads via droplets and is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is marked by severe coughing fits that can hinder breathing. This is particularly dangerous for children, who are at risk of complications like pneumonia, convulsions, and brain damage. Vaccination is the most effective defense against pertussis, greatly reducing the risk of infection and its associated complications.

One-for-five: One injection to tackle the significant 5 ailments

The Infanrix Hexa Injection is a combination vaccine with multiple components to provide broad protection against six serious diseases. Here’s a detailed look at each element:

Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids

• This component is an inactivated toxin produced by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. The toxoid stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies without causing the disease. These antibodies protect against the toxin the bacteria produces, preventing the severe complications of diphtheria.
• This is an inactivated form of the toxin produced by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. Like the diphtheria toxoid, it triggers an immune response that generates protective antibodies. These antibodies neutralize the toxin, preventing the painful and potentially fatal muscle spasms characteristic of tetanus.

Acellular Pertussis Vaccine

The acellular pertussis vaccine component contains purified, inactivated antigens from the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Unlike whole-cell pertussis vaccines, acellular vaccines use only specific parts of the pertussis bacteria to induce immunity, which reduces the likelihood of side effects. The antigens include:

• Detoxified pertussis toxin stimulates an immune response without causing disease.
• Filamentous Hemagglutinin: This protein helps the bacteria adhere to the respiratory tract, and its presence in the vaccine strengthens the immune system by recognizing and fight off the natural bacteria.
• A protein that enhances the immune response against Bordetella pertussis.

Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine

The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) component includes a tri-strained polio-virus (types 1, 2, and 3) that have been inactivated, meaning they can no longer cause disease. The IPV stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against polio, protecting the vaccinated individual from all three poliovirus types. IPV helps fight against polio, helping to prevent paralysis and other severe complications associated with the disease.

Haemophilus influenzae type b Conjugate Vaccine

This component protects against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a bacterium that can cause severe diseases like meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis. The Hib vaccine is a conjugate vaccine, which combines a polysaccharide antigen from the Hib bacteria with a protein carrier. 

This combination enhances the immune system's response, especially in young children, ensuring robust and long-lasting immunity against Hib infections.

Recombinant Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

The Hepatitis B component of the Infanrix Hexa Injection is a recombinant vaccine. It contains a surface antigen (HBsAg) produced by genetically engineered yeast cells. This surface antigen triggers the immune system to produce antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus, protecting without exposing the individual to the virus. The recombinant technology in this vaccine ensures high purity and effectiveness, making it a critical part of preventing acute and chronic Hepatitis B infections.