When will the new 6-in-1 vaccine that includes Polio be available?
A new combination vaccine to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, and hepatitis B has been licensed, but won't be available before 2021 5. This vaccine combines several shots into one to make childhood immunization easier. The availability date mentioned in the source material is at least 2021 5.
What the research says
The specific new 6-in-1 infant vaccine mentioned in the sources was licensed but faced delays in availability until at least 2021 5. This vaccine protects against six diseases, including polio, by combining them into a single injection 5.
Other sources discuss the broader context of polio surveillance and risks. For example, disruptions in routine immunizations because of the COVID-19 pandemic have elevated the risk for increases in vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio in Africa and the Philippines 4. Additionally, studies have analyzed acute flaccid paralysis surveillance data to identify areas with high risk for poliovirus transmission 3.
Research also highlights that uptake of infant and preschool immunisations, including the 6-in-1 vaccine, can be affected by events like the pandemic 6. Community-led initiatives have also been implemented to tackle vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake of the 6-in-1 vaccine 7.
What to ask your doctor
- When will the new 6-in-1 vaccine be available in my area?
- Is the 6-in-1 vaccine recommended for my child's immunization schedule?
- What are the benefits of using a combination vaccine like the 6-in-1 compared to separate shots?
- Are there any specific risks or side effects I should know about for the polio component of this vaccine?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Pediatrics and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.