Hexavalent vaccine

Hexavalent vaccine is a type of vaccine that protects against six different diseases. The term "hexavalent" comes from the Greek words "hex," meaning six, and "valent," meaning worth. The hexavalent vaccine is used to immunize children against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, poliomyelitis (polio), and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Etymology

The term "hexavalent" is derived from the Greek words "hex," meaning six, and "valent," meaning worth. This refers to the vaccine's ability to protect against six different diseases.

Diseases Covered

The hexavalent vaccine protects against the following diseases:

• Diphtheria: A serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.
• Tetanus: A serious bacterial infection that causes painful muscle stiffness and can lead to death.
• Pertussis: Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
• Hepatitis B: A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
• Poliomyelitis: Also known as polio, this is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis and death.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b: A bacterium that can cause a variety of serious diseases, including meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis.

Administration

The hexavalent vaccine is typically administered in three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. It is given as an injection in the thigh or upper arm.

Related Terms

• Vaccine: A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases.
• Immunization: The process by which a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine.

See Also

• Pentavalent vaccine
• Trivalent vaccine

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