Brand Face-Off 2025: Hexaxim vs Infanrix Hexa vs EasySix, Rotateq vs Rotasiil vs Rotavac, Prevenar 13 vs Pneubevax 14 vs Synflorix vs Pneumosil—Which Wins on Protection, Pain & Pocket?
- Dr Ajay Gupta
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
“So many names, one tiny arm—how do I choose?”
If your baby’s 6-week check-up is tomorrow, you’re probably staring at a list of brand options that looks more like a cricket scorecard than a health plan. Hexaxim vs EasySix? Is Infanrix Hexa better? Which rotavirus drops are the least messy? And—wait—India now has a 14-valent pneumonia shot? Breathe. In the next few minutes we’ll unpack each choice so you can walk into the clinic calm, informed and ready to keep those post-jab tears (and bills) to a minimum.
1. Hexavalent Heavyweights—Hexaxim vs Infanrix Hexa vs EasySix
Brand | Pertussis Type | Typical MRP / dose | Fever & Soreness* | Key Perks |
Hexaxim | Acellular (DTaP) | ₹ 4,350 – 4,800 | 1–2 days, mild | “Painless” tag; combo deals |
Infanrix Hexa | Acellular (DTaP) | ₹ 3,750 – 4,200 | 1–2 days, mild | Long global safety record |
EasySix | Whole-cell (DTwP) | ₹ 3,000 – 3,500 | Up to 40 % get fever | Budget-friendly |
*Home paracetamol usually settles symptoms within 24-48 h.
Bottom line: Choose Hexaxim or Infanrix Hexa if you value fewer fevers and can afford the premium. Pick EasySix if cost matters most and you’re ready for a day of extra cuddles. All three protect equally well when the full series is completed.
2. Rotavirus Rivals—Rotateq vs Rotasiil vs Rotavac
Brand | Doses | Heat Stability | Price / dose | Handy Hint |
Rotateq | 3 | Good | ₹ 900–1,000 | Vanilla-flavoured; less spit-up |
Rotavac | 3 | Good | ₹ 700–900 | Indian-made; often free in govt clinics |
Rotasiil | 3 | Best (lyophilised) | ₹ 900–1,000 | Great for travel to hot areas |
Rotasure | 3 | Good | ₹ 750–900 | Abbott |
Doctor’s tip: Any of the three slashes severe diarrhoea by ~80 %.
Pick Rotateq for better taste,
Rotasiil for road trips, or
Rotavac if you want the most economical Indian brand.
3. Pneumococcal Powerplay—Prevenar 13 vs Pneubevax 14 vs Synflorix vs Pneumosil
Brand | Valency | Typical MRP / dose | India Launch | Why Parents Pick It |
Prevenar 13 | 13 | ₹ 4,000–4,800 | 2010 | Gold-standard global data |
Pneubevax 14 | 14 | ₹ 3,500–4,000 | 2024 | Adds 22F & 33F strains, though omits 6A; lower cost |
Synflorix | 10 | ₹ 2,600–3,100 | 2011 | Cheapest option; good for healthy kids |
Pneumosil | 13 | ₹ 2,300–2,800 | 2022 | Indian-made; WHO pre-qualified |
Quick call: High-risk babies (NICU grads, heart defects) usually get Prevenar 13. For healthy infants, Pneubevax 14 or Pneumosil cover almost the same strains for ~₹ 1,000 less per jab. Synflorix is still acceptable if budget trumps breadth.
4. One-Page Decision Grid
Vaccine Group | Premium Route (fewer fevers / highest coverage) | Mid-range Pick | Most Economical |
Hexaxim / Infanrix Hexa | — | EasySix | |
Rotavirus | Rotateq | Rotasiil | Rotavac, Rotasure |
PCV | Prevenar 13 | Pneubevax 14 / Synflorix | Pneumosil |
5. Five Real-World Money-Savvy Tips
Check expiry & cold-chain log: A quick glance shows care—and builds trust.
Breastfeed right after each poke: It’s a proven natural pain reliever.
Keep a digital card copy: Ink fades; photos don’t.
Government freebies: Ask if Rotavac or PCV is in stock at your local health centre—pairing one free dose with premium brands can cut bills by half.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hexaxim or Infanrix Hexa really “painless”? Needle prick is identical; acellular pertussis just causes fewer fevers.
Can I switch between Hexaxim and Infanrix Hexa? Yes—both are DTaP; just stick with one brand if possible for insurance claims.
Why choose a 14-valent PCV over a 13-valent? Pneubevax 14 adds serotypes 22F & 33F, now common in India.
Rotateq tastes better—does that mean extra sugar? No, flavouring is minimal and safe.
Do whole-cell vaccines (EasySix) give longer protection? Some studies show longer pertussis memory, but both schedules need boosters at 15–18 months.
My baby spat out Rotasiil—repeat the dose? If immediate, yes; otherwise no extra dose needed.
Can adults take Pneubevax 14? Not yet; adults still receive PCV15 + PPSV23 per CDC.
Is Synflorix enough for pre-school entry abroad? Some countries insist on 13-valent; confirm with your future paediatrician.
Should I pre-dose paracetamol? Only if your paediatrician advises; routine pre-dosing can blunt antibody response.
Where’s the latest Indian vaccine schedule? See the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (external link).
Are Indian vaccines like Rotasiil and Pneumosil as safe as imported ones? Yes, Indian vaccines undergo the same rigorous testing and approval processes. They're manufactured under WHO guidelines and specifically designed for Indian disease patterns.
Can I mix Indian and imported vaccines in my child's schedule? Yes, you can safely switch between approved vaccines during your child's vaccination schedule. Your pediatrician can guide you on the best approach.
What's the difference between Hexaxim vs Infanrix Hexa vs EasySix? All three protect against the same six diseases with similar effectiveness. The main differences are in cost (Hexaxim being most affordable) and specific formulations affecting side effects.
Why are Rotasiil and Rotavac better choices for Indian children? These vaccines are specifically designed for rotavirus strains common in India, making them highly relevant. They're also significantly more affordable than imported alternatives.
Is Pneumosil as effective as Prevenar13 for Indian children? Yes, Pneumosil covers the most important pneumococcal strains causing disease in India and has shown comparable immune responses to Prevenar13 in clinical trials.
Can Rotasiil and Rotavac be used interchangeably? Yes, recent studies show that Rotasiil and Rotavac can be safely used in an interchangeable manner during the vaccination schedule.
Are there any quality concerns with Indian-manufactured vaccines? No, Indian vaccine manufacturers like Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech follow strict international quality standards and are WHO-approved suppliers.
What should I do if my child has adverse reactions to vaccines? Contact your pediatrician immediately. Most reactions are mild and temporary, but it's important to report any concerns to your healthcare provider.
Can I get painless vaccines in government hospitals? Usually, only whole-cell (painful) DTP vaccines are available for free. Painless options are in private clinics.
What if my child misses a dose? Catch up as soon as possible—don’t restart the series. Ask your doctor for guidance.
Wrap-Up
Matching protection, pain and pocket is easier when you know the trade-offs. Whether you splurge on Hexaxim + Rotateq + Prevenar 13 or craft a savvy EasySix + Rotavac + Pneubevax 14 combo, completing the schedule on time is what truly shields your child.
Ready for stress-free shots? Book your 6-week vaccination visit with us or download our free “Comfort-Care Checklist” to make jab day a breeze.
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