Pentavalent vaccine
GAVI has supported the recently developed pentavalent vaccine which contains five antigens in one shot. It reduces the number of vaccinations needed to protect children against diseases and the liquid formulation is also very easy to administer.
In just one shot pentavalent vaccine immunises against:
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- pertussis
- Hib, causing meningitis and pneumonia
- hepatitis B
Countries' increased uptake of vaccines
Pentavalent vaccine has played a significant part in the increased uptake of the Hib and hepatitis B vaccines. It is popular with developing countries' health ministries because
- it reduces the number of times health workers have to immunise children
- it is cheaper than multiple vaccines in terms of equipment, delivery, and disposal programmes.
Pentavalent vaccine is being used or has been approved for introduction in 57 countries.
GAVI's other policies to accelerate access and availability of vaccines
- The Accelerated Development and Introduction Plans (ADIPs)
- The Hib Initiative
- The Advanced Market Commitments (AMCs)
- International Finance Immunisation Mechanism (IFFIm)
Pentavalent's success boosted by IFFIm money
GAVI has been able to make a long-term commitment to pentavalent vaccine because IFFIm has injected a huge amount of cash into buying or securing the supply of the pentavalent vaccine in 2006–2007.This secure funding of US$ 181 million for pentavalent has also incentivised countries to apply for GAVI support to introduce Hib vaccine and new vaccine manufacturers to enter the market in the coming years, a move which is expected to further reduce vaccine price.
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