A combination vaccine is a mixture of two
or more than two vaccines that could be administered separately, which
is put into a single shot. The combination vaccine offers the same
protection to children as the two vaccines administered separately, but
with a few number of shots. Disease prevention and eradication of
preventable diseases are eventual and instant goals of immunization and
the method to achieve these goals is maintaining vaccine coverage.
Vaccine coverage can be maintained by using combination vaccines, as
they simplify the schedule of vaccination and reduce the number of
injections required.
The development of combination vaccines for protection against
multiple diseases was initiated by combining separate vaccines against
tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis into a single product. This
combination of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccines into a single
product has been crucial for protection of children. Similarly, the
combination of inactivated polio, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus
influenzae vaccines has enabled the inclusion of these vaccines into
recommended immunization schedules, by reducing the number of injections
required. This has also increased the immunization compliance. However,
numerous challenges are faced while developing these combinations
including the abridged response to the
Haemophilus influenzae
vaccine when administered in combination. There is immediate need to
expand the safety profile of the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
combination vaccine.
An important development in the field of combination vaccines was
replacement of whole-cell pertussis antigens with less reactogenic
acellular antigens. This paved the way for combining of tetanus,
diphtheria, and acellular pertussis antigens with other routinely used
vaccines such as inactivated Haemophilus influenzae vaccine, polio
vaccine, and hepatitis B vaccine. Another significant combination
vaccine that gives protection against more than one disease is the
mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. A few examples of commonly
used combination vaccines in children are: ProQuad, which combines MMR
and varicella; Pediarix, which combines Hep B, DTaP, and IPV; Pentacel,
which combines DTaP, IPV, and Hib; and Kinrix, which combines IPV and
DTaP.
The global combination vaccines market is
driven by increase in the prevalence of infectious diseases. Infectious
diseases is one of the most leading causes of illnesses and deaths
worldwide. In developing countries with weak health care infrastructure,
influence of infectious diseases is even devastating, leading to
reduced survival rates, particularly in children and hampering the
economy. The increase in pediatric population is one of the primary
drivers for the global combination vaccines market. With the increase in
pediatric population, the demand for combination vaccines for
immunization has increased, as infants are more susceptible to various
infectious diseases due to their weak immune systems. Occurrence of
viral infections and diseases such as polio, tetanus, diphtheria,
smallpox, chickenpox, and measles has been observed to be high among
children in developing countries. This is anticipated to drive the
demand for combination vaccines during the forecast period. As
scientists are developing and testing new vaccines to protect children
from more diseases, more combination vaccines may become available in
the near future. This would allow children to get additional protection
with a fewer number of shots.
The global combination vaccines market can be segmented into five
major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and
Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is projected to register a high
CAGR during the forecast period, due to rising pediatric population and
increasing awareness about vaccination in the region. Continuous efforts
by market players and national organizations to promote the use of
combination vaccines would drive the market in developed countries in
the near future.
Key players operating in the global
combination vaccines market include GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co.,
Inc., Sanofi Aventis, Pfizer, Inc., Novartis AG, and Takeda
Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
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