The Ministry of Public Health announced it is phasing in a new children vaccination scheme. The hexavalent acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine is introduced to replace the pentavalent vaccine in its childhood immunization program, marking a significant step in public health.
The new vaccine, administered at 2, 4, and 6 months with a booster at 18 months, protects against six life-threatening diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and polio. The vaccine is available starting 1 May 2024 and aims to reduce the number of injections children receive, easing the burden on families and improving vaccination adherence.
The hexavalent vaccine consolidates protection against polio into a single shot, eliminating the need for a separate polio injection. This innovation cuts the total number of injections from five to four for children under one year, reducing pain, stress, and logistical complexity for healthcare providers. The acellular formulation also minimizes side effects like fever, making the vaccine safer and more tolerable for infants.
“This advancement not only strengthens disease prevention but also makes vaccination more accessible and acceptable for families,” said Health Minister Víctor Atallah during the vaccine’s official launch at the Hospital Infantil Doctor Hugo Mendoza on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. “By simplifying the schedule, we’re ensuring every child receives critical protection without unnecessary strain.”
The rollout aligns with the Pan American Vaccination Week (SVA), organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO), which aims to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases by 2030. The Dominican Republic’s updated immunization program now ranks among the most advanced in Latin America, joining a select few countries to adopt the hexavalent vaccine.
The Ministry of Health is phasing in the hexavalent vaccine gradually. Children who have already started the pentavalent series will complete it with the same vaccine, while new vaccinations will use the hexavalent. The vaccine will be administered at 1,400 health centers nationwide, alongside existing protections for rotavirus and pneumococcal diseases.
Dr. Alba María Ropero Álvarez, PAHO/WHO representative in the Dominican Republic, praised the initiative: “The hexavalent vaccine is a game-changer. It reduces injections, improves coverage, and strengthens long-term immunity. The Dominican Republic’s leadership in adopting such innovations sets a regional example.”
The hexavalent acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against six diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B. The “acellular” part of the name means the vaccine uses purified pertussis antigens (parts of the pertussis bacteria) rather than the entire, inactivated bacteria.
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Ministry of Public Health
1 May 2025