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Combined vaccines are a solution for parents who want to reduce the number of injections performed according to the child’s vaccination schedule. However, the combination vaccines themselves have as many supporters as opponents. What are the advantages of combination vaccination? What are the disadvantages of combination vaccination critics of this method? How much do you have to pay for the combination vaccine?
Combined vaccines – basic information
Combined vaccine is a type of vaccination in which a set of several antigens that threaten the health and life of microorganisms are applied once. The best known combination vaccine is the DTP vaccine, which is made to protect the body against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Another vaccine that parents often choose is the MMR vaccine, which is designed to protect against mumps, rubella and measles. Currently, it is also possible to decide to make highly combined vaccines known as 5-in-1 and 6-in-1 vaccines. The 5-in-1 vaccine is an extended version of the DTP vaccination, which additionally contains substances that protect against Poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenzae type b infections. The 6-in-1 combination vaccine, in turn, extends the above set of protection against hepatitis B.
Combined vaccines – advantages
The advantages of combination vaccines can be summarized in the following points:
- providing immunity to more than one disease;
- reducing the number of punctures in the child’s vaccination schedule – from 14 injections, 7 are left in the case of the combined 5-in-1 vaccination and 5 in the case of the 6-in-1 vaccination;
- lower frequency of visits to the doctor;
- content of the so-called a cell-free antigen, which is better tolerated by the child’s body and results in fewer post-vaccination reactions.
Combined vaccines – disadvantages
Despite the significant advantages, combined vaccinations also have their disadvantages. Their list is listed below:
- combined vaccinations are not reimbursed by the National Health Fund, therefore the parent has to pay for them out of his own pocket;
- if a child develops a vaccine reaction after combination vaccination, it will be difficult to diagnose which antigen has been reacted by the child’s immune system;
- combination vaccines contain thiomersal, a chemical compound in which mercury is present. This in turn in the anti-vaccine movement provides the basis for the assumption that combination vaccines contribute to the onset of autism. Medical specialists are far from such conclusions as studies have not shown such an effect. On the other hand, the very occurrence of autism during the period of administration of the combined vaccine is associated with the fact that the disease appears at the same age of the child in which the vaccines are administered.
How much do combination vaccines cost?
The disadvantage most often indicated by parents is the lack of reimbursement of combination vaccines. To buy a combination vaccine, first ask your doctor for a prescription. The cost of purchasing a 5-in-1 combination vaccine is on average PLN 150. The 6-in-1 combination vaccine costs about PLN 200, but there are prices reaching up to PLN 300. We are talking, of course, about one dose of the vaccine. With four doses of the combination vaccine, costs increase proportionally.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.
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