ADVANTAGES OF COMBINED VACCINES

Key words: Combined vaccines, Combined DTPa-HBV vaccine, Combined DTP-Hib vaccine

The introduction of combined vaccines can significantly improve immunization coverage and reduce costs. The Author reviews the state-of-the-art of combined vaccines. At present, given its insufficient immunogenicity, the combined DTP-Hib vaccine cannot be recommended. Immunogenicity of combined DTPa-polio vaccine and of DTPa- HBV vaccine are, on the contrary, quite satisfactory. The latter can be used with all the current immunization schedules and appears particularly advantageous.