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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