Geneva, 4 December 2023 – Countries eligible for Gavi support can now apply to introduce diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine boosters (DTP boosters) – as well as to switch to hexavalent vaccine – a six-in-one vaccine that combines the pentavalent vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, whole-cell pertussis [DTwP], hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b) with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).

These new programmes, part of Gavi's commitment to leave no child behind with immunisation, will enable countries to protect more children against common childhood illnesses, use public health resources more efficiently and strengthen the reach of health systems. Combined, the three pathogens, DTP, are estimated to kill about 110,000 people annually, with the greatest burden in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa (mainly children aged one to four years). The DTP boosters will be vital in protecting children who have not received any routine vaccines, are under-immunised or come from missed communities. Low immunisation coverage makes vulnerable communities susceptible to recurrent vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, worsening health and development outcomes. Providing these boosters also reinforces a life-course approach to vaccination and can strengthen vaccination contacts during the second year of life and in school health programmes.