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Hexacima is a combination vaccine that contains strains of bacteria and viruses that train the body to resist whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenzae type B. It is used in children from six weeks to two years of age. Its effects include diphtheria, which is a highly contagious disease of the throat and skin that also damages the heart, tetanus caused by wound infection, whooping cough (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, and invasive diseases such as meningitis. For this purpose, it includes a well-chosen set of inactivated bacteria and viruses.
Hexacima – the composition of the vaccine
In order to activate an adequate immune defense, Hexacima has been equipped with a number of toxoids (chemically deactivated toxins) and other vaccine substances. These are diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, B bacteria-purified proteins, pertussis, hepatitis B surface antigen, three types of polio viruses (chemically inactivated, so they do not cause disease) and polysaccharides that enhance the immune response to vaccine components.
Hexacima – how does the vaccine work?
By introducing toxoids into a child’s body, the patient’s immune system recognizes them as threatening to health and produces an immune response. Thanks to this “exercise” of antibody production, the body learns to recognize threats faster and, as a result, reacts more adequately to the threatening pathogens. Hexacima is an adsorbed vaccine, which means that its effect has been enhanced by the addition of aluminum compounds. In turn, the surface protein of hepatitis B was obtained thanks to recombination of yeast DNA, which, when combined with the virus, produce a protein that is less hazardous to human health.
Is Hexacima safe?
Hexacima adsorbed vaccine studies were carried out in twelve rounds on over 3400 patients between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 years of age. They were given three doses at intervals dictated by local medical calendars. The results were compared with the control group in which the vaccines were administered separately. The Hexacima combination vaccine worked better for 90% of children, achieving the levels of antibodies required to protect them from the disease much faster.
The immune response was also tested with a booster dose. These tests were carried out for three years on 455 patients. The results clearly indicated a high level of antibodies, sustained by one boost of Hexacima. The subjects were also given Streptococcus Pneumoniae and rotavirus vaccines, checking the effects of the coexistence of immune stimulation from these three sources. Studies have shown that using the vaccines together does not cause problems in the body’s response or make it excessively weak.
Hexacima – dose and method of administration
Hexacima is supplied in vials or pre-filled syringes as a suspension for injection. It is not made available without the consent of the doctor, and the administration follows the vaccination schedule and must always be recorded in the patient file. Initially, three doses are given 6-8 weeks apart during the first 6 months of life. Then, six months after the last dose, a booster is injected. The optimal period for this procedure is the second year of life.
The injection to introduce the vaccine is deep, intramuscularly, usually injected into the patient’s arm or thigh.
Hexacima – side effects and contraindications
The common side effects of the vaccine are redness at the application site, baby crying and skin irritation. These effects are more likely with the first dose than with subsequent vaccinations.
Hexacima should not be used in children who develop an unknown cause of encephalopathy within one week of receiving any pertussis vaccine. It is forbidden to take this product by patients with diseases affecting the brain, nervous system or intestines. Epilepsy is a particular contraindication here. If your child has a fever, postpone the scheduled immunization until the internal disease is overcome and wait until the immune system is ready to take on new threats.
Before using Hexacima, the parent should read the package leaflet carefully and talk to the doctor.