6-fold vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
6-fold vaccination: The 6-fold vaccination is a combination vaccination that protects infants against six serious infectious diseases at an early age: Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio (polio), hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It is included in the free child vaccination program in Austria.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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What is the 6-fold vaccination for children?
The 6-fold vaccination is part of the Basic immunization in infancy. Six vaccines are administered in a single injection. It is part of the Austrian Child vaccination program and protects children against several serious infectious diseases at an early age.
Multiple vaccine explained
A multiple vaccine contains several vaccine components in a single injection.
This means: One vaccination provides protection against different pathogens at the same time. In children, the 6-vaccine is a typical example of such a combination vaccine.
The vaccine does not contain any live, disease-causing pathogens. Instead, attenuated or inactivated components of the pathogens are used. These so-called Antigens are sufficient, to specifically activate the immune system.
The body then forms specific antibodies and so-called memory cells. If contact with one of the real pathogens occurs later, the immune system can react faster and more effectively.
Why is the 6-way vaccination recommended for infants?
In the first few months of life, babies are susceptible to serious infections, because their immune system is not yet fully mature. Certain pathogens can spread more quickly and cause more severe illnesses than in older children or adults.
1. minimize the risk of severe disease progression
Diseases such as whooping cough, invasive Hib infections or poliomyelitis in early childhood lead to more frequent complications. Without vaccination, such complications can cause respiratory arrest, meningitis, paralysis or permanent organ damage, among other things.
2. protection after the end of nest protection
Newborn babies receive antibodies from their mother - the so-called nest protection. However, this decreases significantly in the first few months of life. Basic immunization begins early so that there is no gap in protection. Through the Vaccination the child forms its own antibodies and develops an active, long-term immune response.
3. contribution to herd immunity
If a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, pathogens have a much harder time spreading. Chains of infection are interrupted before major outbreaks occur. Of which also benefit people who have not been vaccinated themselves for example newborns, the chronically ill or people with weakened immune systems. A high vaccination rate therefore not only protects the individual, but also stabilizes protection in the entire community.
4. fewer appointments due to combination vaccine
As the six vaccine components are contained in a combination vaccine, the necessary protection can be built up with just a few vaccination appointments. This reduces the number of individual injections and makes it easier to implement the vaccination plan in the first year of life.
What diseases does the 6-vaccination for children protect against?
The 6-fold vaccination protects infants and young children against 6 bacterial and viral infectious diseases, which can be severe in early life:
DiphtheriaDiphtheria is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract in which inflammatory plaque can form in the throat. There is a risk of shortness of breath, inflammation of the heart muscle and other organ damage.
Tetanus (lockjaw)Tetanus is caused by bacteria that enter the body via wounds and form a powerful neurotoxin. This toxin leads to painful muscle spasms, which can also affect the respiratory muscles.
Pertussis (whooping cough)Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial disease of the respiratory tract with long-lasting coughing fits. It can cause breathing pauses and severe courses, especially in infants.
Poliomyelitis (polio)Poliomyelitis is caused by a virus that can attack the nervous system. In severe cases, permanent paralysis remains.
Hepatitis BHepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that can be either acute or chronic. A chronic infection increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)Hib is a bacterium that can cause invasive infections such as meningitis or epiglottitis. These diseases can quickly become life-threatening, especially in young children.
Procedure for the 6-fold vaccination for children
Vaccination for the 6-vaccine starts in infancy. The exact time of vaccination is specified in the Vaccination calendar for infants and young children recorded. For a three doses of the 6-dose vaccine are required for complete protection - at the recommended intervals.
This is the recommended vaccination series according to the vaccination calendar:
1st vaccine dose (6-fold): in the 3rd month of life
2nd vaccine dose (6-fold)2 months after the 1st dose (usually in the 5th month of life)
3rd vaccine dose (6-fold): at the earliest 6 months after the second dose (usually in the 11th to 12th month of life)
TipThe 6-vaccination is often planned together with other vaccinations in the first year of life, such as the Rotavirus vaccination. This allows vaccination appointments to be bundled together without additional stress for the child.
What are the possible side effects of the 6-vaccine?
As with any vaccination, reactions may occur after the 6-vaccination. These are usually mild and show that the immune system is reacting to the vaccine.
Local reactions
Local reactions often occur at the injection site, for example:
Redness
slight swelling
Pressure sensitivity or pain
General reactions
These symptoms usually subside on their own after one to three days. Also General reactions are possible, especially in infants:
mild to moderate fever
Tiredness or increased need for sleep
Irritability or restlessness
Reduced appetite
Higher fever may occur less frequently.
How long does the protection of the 6-fold vaccination last?
The 6-fold vaccination provides protection in infancy. Basic immunization against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, Hib and hepatitis B. However, protection does not last a lifetime for all components. For some diseases, booster vaccinations are scheduled at a later date:
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis require regular boosters in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, as the antibodies decrease over time.
Poliomyelitis is also refreshed in childhood.
Booster vaccinations against hepatitis B and Hib are generally not necessary once basic immunization has been completed in infancy.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is included in the 6-fold vaccination?
The 6-fold vaccination protects against six infectious diseasesDiphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B.
How often does the 6-fold vaccination have to be given?
In infancy, the basic immunization takes place in 3 partial vaccinations - usually in the 3rd, 5th, 11th and 12th month of life. Later, booster vaccinations are planned for individual components such as diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
How do babies react to a 6-fold vaccination?
Many Babies show only mild reactions. There is often redness or swelling at the injection site. Some children are more restless, tired or develop a slight fever for one or two days. These reactions usually subside on their own.
When do possible side effects occur with the 6-fold vaccination?
Typical vaccination reactions usually occur within the first 24 to 48 hours after the 6-fold vaccination. Fever or restlessness may also occur on the 2nd or 3rd day. Severe side effects are very rare.