DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6 in 1) vaccine - 6 in 1 vaccine information for health professionals
Some of the links included in this information lead to content created by other organisations and may not be available in Welsh.
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) and hepatitis B are notifiable diseases.
The 6-in-1 vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) and hepatitis B and was introduced for all UK babies born on, or after 1st August 2017.
The first three doses of Hib-containing vaccine are administered at 8, 12, and 16 weeks with the 6-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB) vaccine.
Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule for Wales and impact on the 6-in-1 vaccine
Menitorix© (Hib/MenC) was discontinued on 30 June 2025. Menitorix© was the fourth Hib vaccine dose in the routine schedule.
As a result of the cessation of Menitorix©, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who advise the UK government on vaccination matters, recommended changes to the childhood immunisation schedule for Wales.
The JCVI recommendations, include:
From 1 January 2026
- An additional dose of Hib-containing multivalent vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB) given at 18 months of age. This is to replace the Hib previously given at 12 months (Hib/MenC).
- The 18-month visit is a new appointment on the UK childhood immunisation schedule.
For more information about changes to the childhood immunisation schedule, including frequently asked questions, visit:
- Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule: JCVI statement on the UK Government website (external site).
- Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule – Information for health professionals.
- Frequently asked questions on SharePoint (external site, access for NHS healthcare staff only).
About the vaccine
The 6-in-1 vaccine is marketed for use in the UK under the brand names Infarix hexa® and Vaxelis®.
Infanrix hexa® is an inactivated vaccine in a powder and suspension for reconstitution before injection. Vaxelis® is an inactivated injectable vaccine in a pre-filled syringe presentation.
Guidance on the treatment of tetanus cases and management of tetanus prone wounds can be is available at:
- Tetanus: advice for health professionals on the UK Government website (external site).
- Tetanus: the green book, chapter 30 on the UK Government website (external site).
Summary of product characteristics
More information about the vaccine can be found in the Green Book chapters for each disease. See clinical resources and information section.
- Information about Infanrix hexa on the EMC website (external site).
- Information about Vaxelis on the EMC website (external site).
Guidance in the Green Book supersedes the Summary of product characteristics (SmPC).
Reporting side effects
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. You should report suspected adverse reactions of vaccines and medicines online at the Yellow Card website (external site), by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
The complete routine immunisation schedule includes information about routine and non-routine vaccinations.
Guidance
Vaccination programme recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Welsh Government policy can be found at the links below.
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on the UK Government website (external site) – read JCVI publications and statements; search e.g. polio.
Guidance on changes to the childhood immunisation schedule in Wales (external site) can be found on the UK Government website.
The complete routine immunisation schedule for Wales is available on our website and includes information about routine and non-routine vaccinations.
- Health circulars: 2024 to 2027 on the Welsh Government website (external site).
- Health circulars: 2021 to 2023 on the Welsh Government website (external site).
Policy and guidance can also be found on the Public Health Wales policy, letters and Welsh Government SharePoint page (access for NHS healthcare staff).
- Hexavalent vaccine for baby immunisation schedule on the Welsh Government website (external site).
- Changes to routine childhood and selective neonatal hepatitis B vaccinations on the Welsh Government website (external site).
- Hepatitis B vaccine information for health professionals.
- Attaining the WHO targets for eliminating hepatitis B and C on the Welsh Government website (external site).
- Guidance for health professionals on the treatment and reduction of cases of hepatitis on the Welsh Government website (external site).
- Letter to health boards on the actions they need to take to make progress on hepatitis B and C elimination on the Welsh Government website (external site).
- Children who have outstanding routine immunisations: national enhanced service specification on the Welsh Government website (external site).
Clinical resources and information
- Diphtheria: the green book, chapter 15 on the UK Government website (external site).
- Tetanus: the green book, chapter 30 on the UK Government website (external site).
- Pertussis: the green book, chapter 24 on the UK Government website (external site).
- Polio: the green book, chapter 26 on the UK Government website (external site).
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): the green book, chapter 16 on the UK Government website (external site).
- Hepatitis B: the green book, chapter 18 on the UK Government website (external site).
- Hexavalent combination vaccine: programme guidance on the UK Government website (external site). This applies to England.
- Tetanus: advice for health professionals on the UK Government website (external site).
- Vaccination of individuals with uncertain or incomplete immunisation status on the UK Government website (external site).
Patient group directions (PGDs) and protocols
PGD templates for vaccines can be found on the patient group directions (PGDs) and protocols page (external site).
Further clinical resources and information
More information
- Visit the British Polio Fellowship website (external site).
- Visit the British Liver Trust website for information about hepatitis B (external site)
Data and surveillance
Vaccination surveillance information can be found on the pages below:
- Immunisation surveillance.
- Diphtheria disease: guidance, data and analysis by UKHSA on the UK Government website (external site).
- Tetanus: guidance, data and analysis by UKHSA on the UK Government website (external site).
- Pertussis: guidance, data and analysis by UKHSA on the UK Government website (external site).
- Polio: guidance, data and analysis by UKHSA on the UK Government website (external site).
- Haemophilus influenzae: guidance, data and analysis by UKHSA on the UK Government website (external site).
- Hepatitis B: guidance, data and analysis by UKHSA on the UK Government website (external site).
Page last reviewed: 25th March 2026