Control of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type B, and Hepatitis B: Field guide

This Field Guide is a tool to facilitate the work of health officials and field staff involved in national immunization programs. Given the widespread use of a combination vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B (referred to here as pentavalent vaccine) in the Americas, this guide addresses all five diseases prevented by this vaccine. A separate guide on neonatal tetanus is available, as this condition is targeted for elimination, and specific vaccination and surveillance strategies apply. The guide summarizes clinical information on the five diseases, outlines the strategies to control and prevent them, and examines existing vaccines, including some combination vaccines. Combination vaccines support the achievement of one of the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) priority initiatives—the introduction of “new” vaccines into national immunization programs—and their use is likely to become widespread in the Americas.