Protection against Haemophilus influenzae Type B, Diphtheria, and Tetanus in Children from Major Cities of Pakistan: A Community-Based Study

Abstract

Objective Pentavalent vaccine has been introduced in Pakistan against tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB), pertussis, and hepatitis B virus.

Methods This study was designed to determine protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and HiB in children of age 18 to 24 months from community which had received all three doses of pentavalent vaccine.

Results Overall, 97% were having immunity against HiB, 97% against tetanus, and 88% against diphtheria. Our study showed that children aged 18 to 24 months in Pakistan have high level of protection against HiB and tetanus. However, the protection for diphtheria was low in 40% of children which could be improved by adding a booster dose of diphtheria.

Conclusion By increasing the vaccine coverage among children, the burden of these diseases can be reduced in the future.

Keywords

pentavalent vaccine - vaccine efficacy - vaccine coverage - Pakistan

Note

The study protocols and informed consent documents were approved by the Institutional Bioethics Review Committee (IBRC) of Pakistan Health Research Council (PHRC). For infants, informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from their parents or legal guardians prior to enrolling the infants in the study. Informed written consent for publication was obtained from each participant which stated that the details/images/videos will be freely available on the internet and may be seen by the general public.

Availability of Data and Materials

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Authors' Contributions

M.A.N.S. and I.R. designed the study. O.U., R.I., N.J., A.K., and R.F. collected the data. M.A.N.S., I.R., A.R., and M.S.A. did the data analysis and wrote the manuscript.

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