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09/08/2004
New 5-in-1 infant vaccination jab unveiled
The government has announced plans for a new five-in-one combined vaccination for babies and children.
The new single jab will protect children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and polio.
The new vaccine replaces the separate vaccines already administered to babies. The polio vaccine will be incorporated into the single jab and will no longer contain a live version of the polio, removing the theoretical risk of contracting the disease. The whooping cough component of the vaccine is also new and should cause fewer of the minor reactions seen in children, the health department said.
The new vaccines are also mercury free, meeting the internationally-agreed aim of reducing children's exposure to mercury where possible.
Health Minister John Hutton said that the changes set out today would "further improve the programme and benefit children".
He added: "The polio component is safer than the previous oral vaccine and the switch to acellular pertussis will mean children are less likely to suffer from minor reactions such as swelling and redness."
The new vaccines for primary, pre-school and teenage immunisation will be introduced from late September this year. Parents and health professionals will be able to access information about the changes to the routine programme on the new immunisation website www.immunisation.nhs.uk
(gmcg)
The new single jab will protect children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and polio.
The new vaccine replaces the separate vaccines already administered to babies. The polio vaccine will be incorporated into the single jab and will no longer contain a live version of the polio, removing the theoretical risk of contracting the disease. The whooping cough component of the vaccine is also new and should cause fewer of the minor reactions seen in children, the health department said.
The new vaccines are also mercury free, meeting the internationally-agreed aim of reducing children's exposure to mercury where possible.
Health Minister John Hutton said that the changes set out today would "further improve the programme and benefit children".
He added: "The polio component is safer than the previous oral vaccine and the switch to acellular pertussis will mean children are less likely to suffer from minor reactions such as swelling and redness."
The new vaccines for primary, pre-school and teenage immunisation will be introduced from late September this year. Parents and health professionals will be able to access information about the changes to the routine programme on the new immunisation website www.immunisation.nhs.uk
(gmcg)
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