Hexyon (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Polysaccharide (Polyribosylribitol Phosphate), Diphtheria Toxoid, Teta)

Hexyon is indicated for active immunization against several bacterial and viral diseases in the pediatric schedule. The vaccine is administered as part of the routine infant series and may be given in combination with other scheduled vaccines.

• Diphtheria, providing protection against Corynebacterium diphtheriae toxin.
• Tetanus, inducing immunity to tetanus neurotoxin.
• Pertussis (whooping cough), targeting Bordetella pertussis antigens.
• Hepatitis B, stimulating antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen.
• Poliomyelitis, using inactivated poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, preventing invasive Hib infections.

• Hexyon works by presenting multiple antigens to the immune system. The diphtheria and tetanus toxoids are chemically inactivated toxins that stimulate production of neutralizing antibodies. The pertussis components (pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, and pertactin) elicit a cellular and humoral response against Bordetella pertussis. The hepatitis B surface antigen induces anti‑HBs antibodies, while the inactivated poliovirus strains provoke serotype‑specific neutralizing antibodies. The Hib polysaccharide is conjugated to a protein carrier, enabling T‑cell dependent immunity and protective anti‑PRP antibodies.

Like all vaccines, Hexyon may cause transient reactions at the injection site or systemic symptoms. These reactions are generally self‑limiting and resolve without medical intervention.

Common

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
• Low‑grade fever (≤38.5 °C) within 24 hours.
• Irritability or fussiness in infants.
• Mild fatigue or loss of appetite.
• Headache or mild muscle aches.
• Nausea or mild vomiting.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with hives, airway swelling, or hypotension.
• High fever (>40 °C) or seizures.
• Persistent neurological symptoms such as encephalopathy (very rare).

Healthcare providers should assess individual risk factors before administering Hexyon and observe patients after vaccination.

• Defer vaccination in persons with a known severe allergy to any vaccine component.
• Postpone if the child has a moderate or severe acute illness with fever.
• Use caution in individuals with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
• Monitor for anaphylaxis for at least 15 minutes after injection.
• Discuss with a physician before vaccinating pregnant or breastfeeding women, as safety data are limited.
• Review previous vaccine reactions, especially to DTaP or Hib products.

Hexyon does not have many documented drug‑drug interactions, but certain circumstances warrant attention.

Avoid

• Concurrent administration of live viral vaccines (e.g., measles‑mumps‑rubella) within 4 weeks, as immune interference may reduce response.
• Simultaneous receipt of immunoglobulin or blood products that could neutralize vaccine antigens.

Use with caution

• Administration with other inactivated vaccines is generally acceptable, but observe for additive local reactions.
• Use caution in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, as antibody response may be diminished.
• Consider timing with antipyretics; prophylactic use may blunt the fever response but does not affect immunogenicity.