Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines - a South African perspective

Introduction of Hib vaccine is known to positively impact on reduction of both morbidity and mortality in children less than 5 years of age. Incorporation of this vaccine into a National EPI, however, does come at a significant cost, which is especially important in non-GAVI funded countries. Compounded reduction in response in certain patient populations and possible indication of booster doses further impacts on cost-benefit analyses. Despite these issues, South Africa has supplied Hib vaccine as part of the National EPI in the form of a combination vaccine, Pentaxim, which combines Hib with Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTP) and Poliomyelitis since 2009. Prior to this, another combination vaccine was utilized containing Hib and DTP. This has subsequently lead to a significant reduction in invasive Hib disease post-introduction, therefore largely justifying utilization.