Pakistan has approved the use of a hexavalent vaccine, combining six disease protections into one shot, in a significant step to improve routine immunisation coverage and public trust in vaccination efforts.
Pakistan has approved the introduction of a hexavalent vaccine for children, a move Health Minister Mustafa Kamal described as a major step for the country’s routine immunisation programme. According to the ministry, the decision was taken at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordination Committee chaired by Kamal, after months of work with global health partners to secure access to the shot.
The new vaccine is intended to protect against six diseases in one injection, reducing the number of jabs children need and, officials said, easing the burden on parents. Kamal said the change should improve confidence in vaccination and make routine immunisation more effective, particularly in areas where access is difficult.
Officials briefed the meeting that the vaccine would be given at six, 10 and 14 weeks of age. ProPakistani reported that the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group has also endorsed the transition, adding technical backing to the policy shift.
The announcement builds on Pakistan’s wider push to expand childhood vaccination coverage. In recent months, the government and its partners have also launched national campaigns against measles and rubella, while Kamal has separately urged stronger vaccination uptake and better public health infrastructure. He has said the long-term goal is to strengthen the system, cut preventable illness and reduce pressure on hospitals.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
