Antibody persistence of two pentavalent DTwP–HB–Hib vaccines to the age of 15–18 months, and response to the booster dose of quadrivalent DTwP–Hib vaccine

ObjectivesAntibody persistence in children following three doses of primary vaccination with diphtheria, tetanus, whole-cell-pertussis (DTwP), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines (SIIL Pentavac vaccine vs. Easyfive® of Panacea Biotec), and response to the booster dose of DTwP–Hib (Quadrovax®) vaccine.MethodsChildren who completed their primary immunization were assessed for antibodies at 15–18 months of age, and then given a booster dose of DTwP–Hib vaccine. Reactogenicity and safety of the booster dose was evaluated.ResultsBoth pentavalent vaccines demonstrated a good immune response at 15–18 months. Following the booster dose, all vaccinated subjects achieved protective titers against diphtheria, tetanus and Hib, whereas the response to pertussis antigen was ∼78%. Fever and irritability was noted in 24%, local pain in 51%, and swelling in 36% of the children following booster dose.ConclusionsPrimary immunization with either pentavalent vaccine induced an excellent immunity lasting till the second year of life. A booster dose with DTwP–Hib (Quadrovax®) vaccine effectuated a good anamnestic response to all vaccine components, being specially strong for Hib in children previously vaccinated with SIIL liquid pentavalent vaccine (Pentavac®). Also, the safety profile of SIIL quadrivalent vaccine (Quadrovax®) administered as booster dose was acceptable.

► Pentavac® vaccine demonstrated an excellent and long-lasting immune response.
► Quadrovax® vaccine induces good anamnestic response to all vaccine components.
► Quadrovax vaccine was well tolerated by all vaccinees.
► No serious adverse event was reported in either group.
► Pentavac is inexpensive and is a good alternative to other costlier similar vaccines.