Current combined vaccines with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B (HB) vaccine has been included in the national immunization programmes of more than 90 countries world-wide. Its combination with DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) and other childhood vaccines will lower administration costs, simplify vaccine administration and improve the logistics of vaccine delivery. It is believed that the combined vaccines will increase acceptance and vaccine coverage. The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the various components should not differ when given separately or together. The combined vaccines DTP + HB, DT + HB, HA + HB, HB + Hib have already been developed and used in several countries and DTP + HB + IPV and DTP + HB + IPV + Hib combined vaccines are currently under development. Further studies are necessary to devise appropriate schedules adjusted to the epidemiological situations of each geographic region.