Sanofi’s Hexaxim is included in NIP from this year

Sanofi's hexavalent infant vaccine Hexaxim will be available as part of the National Immunization Program starting this year

Its introduction to NIP is expected to ease the economic burden and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system

Vaccination will be free at designated medical institutions for the National Immunization Program for children

Pic of Hexaxim

Sanofi announced on the 9th that Hexaxim, its hexavalent combination vaccine for infants, has been included in Korea’s National Immunization Program (NIP).

 

With its introduction to the NIP, Hexaxim can now be administered free of charge at designated medical institutions under the National Immunization Program for Children.

 

As the first and only hexavalent combination vaccine in Korea (as of January 2025), Hexaxim can simultaneously protect against 6 infectious diseases including hepatitis b in addition to the 5 infectious diseases (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b ) that can be prevented by existing pentavalent combination vaccines.

 

Infants who received hepatitis B monovalent vaccines at birth are eligible for the vaccine, which is given in a series of 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.

 

However, infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers will be vaccinated with the pentavalent combination vaccine and hepatitis B monovalent vaccine as before, as it is necessary to prevent vertical infection of hepatitis B.

 

The designated medical institutions for the National Immunization Program can be found on the NIP KDCA website, and it is necessary to check the types of vaccines that can be administered at the designated medical institution before visiting, as the types of vaccines offered may differ depending on the medical institution.

 

The hexavalent combination vaccine for infants has been already recommended as an essential vaccine in more than 40 countries, including Europe, Canada, and Australia.

 

Hexaxim also reduces the total number of doses from 6 to 4 compared to the current schedule that requires separate doses of the pentavalent combination vaccine and hepatitis B monovalent vaccine, rendering it easier for parents and infants to get vaccinated and improving timely immunization rates by reducing delays and missed doses of recommended vaccines.

 

Change in number of doses before and after introduction of Hexaxim

In addition, Hexaxim is a ready-to-use formulation that maximizes convenience and efficiency of administration, requires no reconstitution, and is easy to use.

 

This reduces vaccination preparation time and significantly reduces the risk of reconstitution errors, making the process more efficient for healthcare professionals and enabling them to provide safe and rapid immunization services to parents and infants.

 

“The introduction of Hexaxim into the NIP is a recognition of Hexaxim’s public health value, and we are pleased to be able to contribute to easing the financial burden on parents and increasing the efficiency of the healthcare system,” said Hee-Kyung Park, Head of Sanofi Vaccines Business Unit.

 

“As a long-standing public health partner in Korea, Sanofi has contributed to the prevention of infectious diseases in the country.

 

We will continue to be committed to preventing infectious diseases by creating a seamless vaccination environment and the timely provision of vaccines.”