Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of DTPa-IPV/Hib vaccine co-administered with hepatitis B vaccine for primary and booster vaccination of Taiwanese infants.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the combined diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-inactivated poliovirus-Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine (DTPa-IPV/Hib, Infanrix™-IPV + Hib) was assessed when co-administered with hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine. Seventy healthy infants received DTPa-IPV/Hib at 1.5, 3.5, 6 and 15-18 months, and HBV at birth, 1.5, 6 and 15-18 months of age. Serological responses were assessed. Diphtheria, tetanus, Hib and pertussis seroprotection/seropositivity rates were 100% after primary vaccination. Post-primary immune responses to poliovirus could not be evaluated for technical reasons. However, after the booster dose, seroprotection/seropositivity rates, including poliovirus, were 100%. Over 95% were seroprotected against HBV. Post-booster geometric mean antibody concentrations/titers (GMC/GMTs) rose from 14-fold to 45-fold, indicating effective priming against all antigens, including polioviruses. DTPa-IPV/Hib was well tolerated alone or co-administered with HBV. No serious adverse events were considered related to vaccination. Primary and booster vaccination with combined DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV was immunogenic and well tolerated. Combination vaccines enable vaccine providers to conveniently provide routine pediatric immunizations, with minimal discomfort.