As one of the most widely used combination vaccines, the 5-in-1 vaccine is highly recommended in both the national immunization program and service vaccination packages. What diseases does the 5-in-1 vaccine protect against, and what is the proper vaccination schedule? Let’s find out in the article below!
What diseases does the 5-in-1 vaccine protect against?
As a combination vaccine, the 5-in-1 vaccine allows the body to develop immunity against five serious infectious diseases at the same time. This type of vaccine is increasingly preferred because it helps reduce the number of injections while still ensuring broad protection against dangerous illnesses.
The 5-in-1 vaccine helps prevent the following diseases:
- Diphtheria: Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leading to sore throat, swollen glands, and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction in children.
- Tetanus: Protects against the toxin of Clostridium tetani, which causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms.
- Pertussis (whooping cough): Caused by Bordetella pertussis, leading to persistent coughing fits and potential lung damage.
- Poliomyelitis (polio): Caused by the poliovirus, which attacks the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and irreversible paralysis.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis: Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterium that causes purulent meningitis and can lead to death in children under five.
Types of 5-in-1 vaccines currently used in Vietnam
At present, three types of 5-in-1 vaccines are available in Vietnam: ComBE Five, Quinvaxem, and Pentaxim.
Among these, ComBE Five and Quinvaxem are included in the National Expanded Immunization Program, while Pentaxim is used in private vaccination services.
Quinvaxem vaccine Quinvaxem is a 5-in-1 vaccine developed in South Korea by Berna Biotech. In 2006, it was recommended for use by the World Health Organization (WHO) in many countries. To date, over 400 million doses of Quinvaxem have been administered worldwide.
In Vietnam, Quinvaxem was introduced into the National Expanded Immunization Program in 2010 for infants and young children. By 2018, more than 14 million doses had been used nationwide, contributing significantly to the prevention of several serious infectious diseases. Currently, Quinvaxem has been discontinued.
ComBE Five vaccine ComBE Five is a 5-in-1 vaccine produced in India and approved by WHO in 2010. In Vietnam, it was introduced into the National Expanded Immunization Program in December 2018, replacing Quinvaxem.
ComBE Five protects against five major diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) meningitis. However, it does not protect against poliomyelitis, so children must receive additional polio vaccination either by injection or oral drops.
Both ComBE Five and Quinvaxem contain whole-cell pertussis components, which may cause stronger and longer-lasting post-vaccination reactions compared with acellular vaccines.
Pentaxim vaccine Pentaxim, originating from France, is a combination 5-in-1 vaccine that protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
Unlike the other two vaccines, Pentaxim is a private service vaccine and not included in the national immunization program. Its acellular pertussis component significantly reduces post-vaccination reactions, making it safer and better tolerated for most children.
What is the 5-in-1 vaccination schedule for children?
Using the 5-in-1 vaccine allows children to be protected against multiple diseases with a single injection. Instead of needing nine separate vaccines, children now require only four injections to gain immunity against several serious illnesses.
Experts recommend that children receive the 5-in-1 vaccine early and complete all required doses to achieve optimal protection.
Vaccination schedule:
- 1st dose: When the child is 2 months old (or as early as 6 weeks old if the baby is healthy).
- 2nd and 3rd doses: Given at least 28 days apart from the previous dose.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure full immune protection, children should complete all three primary doses before 12 months of age. The booster dose should be given after the child turns one year old.
Note: Parents should carefully check which 5-in-1 vaccine is being used and supplement additional vaccines for diseases not included in the formulation:
- If the child receives ComBE Five, an additional polio vaccine is required.
- If the child receives Pentaxim, it is necessary to add the hepatitis B vaccine as early as possible.
Cost of the 5-in-1 vaccination
Parents need not worry too much about the cost of the 5-in-1 vaccine for their child. The ComBE Five vaccine is included in the National Expanded Immunization Program, meaning it is provided free of charge at vaccination sites across the country, particularly at local health stations and preventive medicine centers.
However, vaccines in the national program may occasionally face supply shortages, leading to delays in vaccination schedules. To ensure timely and complete immunization, parents can choose the Pentaxim service vaccine, which offers the same protective benefits and helps maintain the recommended vaccination schedule for their child.
Reader may also be interested in:
- Just one flu vaccine shot: Protects mothers throughout pregnancy and their babies during the first six months of life
- Dengue vaccination: 3 doses to protect you from a dangerous disease
Important notes when administering the 5-in-1 vaccine
Eligible group for vaccination Most countries and health organizations recommend that children receive the 5-in-1 vaccine starting from infancy, following the national immunization schedule. The timing and number of doses may vary by country or local health guidelines, but typically, the first dose is given at 2 months of age, followed by additional doses throughout the child’s first year of life.
Children who should postpone or avoid the 5-in-1 vaccine Vaccination should be delayed or avoided in the following cases:
- Children who are allergic to any component of the vaccine.
- Children who have previously experienced severe reactions to a 5-in-1 vaccine dose.
- Children who are feverish, fatigued, or suffering from acute illnesses at the time of vaccination.
Where should children receive the 5-in-1 vaccine?
Many parents wonder where to find a trusted and reputable location for their child’s 5-in-1 vaccination. With seven vaccination centers across 12 districts of Hanoi, the Hong Ngoc Vaccination and Consultation Center is a reliable choice for parents seeking high-quality immunization services for their children.
Advantages of getting vaccinated at Hong Ngoc:
- Comprehensive pre-vaccination screening: Each child is examined by experienced pediatricians before vaccination to ensure eligibility and comfort, helping minimize pain and anxiety during the process.
- High-quality, imported vaccines: All vaccines are directly imported and strictly quality-controlled, stored in GSP-standard cold chain systems to maintain optimal safety and effectiveness.
- Automatic scheduling reminders: Parents are notified in advance of upcoming vaccination appointments. In case of missed schedules, the system ensures children are promptly rescheduled for catch-up doses.
- Careful post-vaccination monitoring: Children are closely observed after injection, and any unusual reactions are managed promptly and safely according to medical protocols.
Contact Information Hong Ngoc General Hospital Hotline: 0949 416 006
Follow the Hong Ngoc General Hospital Fanpage for more useful health information and updates!
