Babies born in the UK from today onwards will be offered a new vaccination as part of their routine immunisation.

 

Whereas up until now babies have received a five-in-one jab; Hexavalent, protecting against hepatitis B, will now be added to the immunisation schedule.

 

Babies who present for immunisation will now have the option to receive a six-in-one jab instead, protecting against all of the following: diphtheria, polio, tetanus, whooping cough, Haemophilus influenza type B, and hepatitis B.

 

The new ‘six-in-one’ jab will be rolled out across the United Kingdom, from today. The immunisation schedule for babies will remain the same – at eight weeks, again at 12 weeks, and finally at 16 weeks.

 

Mary Ramsay, from Public Health England, assured parents that the new vaccine was proven to be safe.

 

“Until today, only children at high risk of hepatitis B would be immunised,” she explained.

 

 

“The introduction of Hexavalent vaccine means that all children will now be routinely protected against this serious infection, which is a major cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in later life.

 

“The Hexavalent vaccine has been extensively tested and shown to be safe, and is widely used internationally with millions of doses being given around the world.”

 

The impending arrival of the six-in-one jab was announced last month, and was widely welcomed by experts in the medical field.

 

Commenting on the move, the Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust highlighted the fact that it was in line with the international standards.

 

Andrew Langford said: “The World Health Organisation recommended in 1992 that all children be immunised against the virus, and Britain is one of the last European countries to fall in line with the guidance.

 

“We are delighted the government has finally listened to the advice of the British Liver Trust and other organisations, and that from the beginning of August, all babies in the UK will be given it as part of the Hexavalent immunisation programme.”

 

Will your baby fall under the new immunisation protocol? How do you feel about the six-in-one? Be sure to let us know.

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