A worldwide overview for hexavalent vaccines and a glimpse into Turkiye's perspective

• Published in: Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics Vol. 20; no. 1; p. 2345493
• Main Authors: Özen, Metehan, Ünüvar, Emin, Yıldırım, Abdurrahman, Akman, Hakkı, Mevlitoğlu, Süleyman, Pehlivan, Tamer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis Group 31.12.2024
• Subjects: childhood immunization; combination vaccines; Hexavalant vaccines; Humans; Immunization Programs; Immunization Schedule; immunogenicity; Turkey; Vaccination; Vaccination Coverage; Vaccination Hesitancy - statistics & numerical data; vaccination strategies; vaccine safety; Vaccine-Preventable Diseases - prevention & control; Vaccines, Combined - administration & dosage; Vaccines, Combined - immunology; Turkey; vaccine safety; vaccination strategies; combination vaccines; Hexavalant vaccines; childhood immunization; immunogenicity
• ISSN: 2164-5515; 2164-554X; 2164-554X
• DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2345493

The surge in recommended vaccinations for child's has spurred the development of combination vaccines, notably hexavalent vaccines, which provide multiple immunizations in a single dose. These vaccines offer various advantages, such as streamlining vaccination schedules, minimizing injection-related pain and exposure to preservatives, expanding vaccine coverage, and reducing administration costs. However, the intricate and expensive development of these vaccines presents substantial challenges, requiring increased investment and healthcare provider education to optimize their utilization and sustain high vaccination rates. Turkey, known for its robust vaccine coverage, strategic geographic location, and the influx of refugees, is at a critical juncture for integrating hexavalent vaccines into national programs. This transition is especially relevant given the rising vaccine hesitancy and the potential resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. This review assesses the deployment of hexavalent vaccines, examining their benefits and challenges through clinical trials and global experiences, with a specific emphasis on Turkiye's public health context.