The government is considering a proposal to introduce the six-in-one immunisation jab, which will include vaccination against Hepatitis B.

Maltese babies are currently given a three-in-one jab for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough), and another two jabs for polio and Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib). However, parents can choose to give their children the five-in-one jab privately.

The introduction of the six-in-one jab would bring Malta a step ahead of the United Kingdom, where last week doctors started administering the five-in-one jab to babies. The jab is used to prevent the five health conditions.

A spokesman for the Health Division said the local health authorities were considering introducing the new jab "if the necessary resources are available". However, he added, there was a problem with the cost of this formula.

The spokesman said the five-in-one vaccine, which has been around for a number of years, was not available through government services because of the tender system. He said it was more costly to the three-in-one - for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis - plus the two separate jabs for polio and Hib.

"The ultimate protection for the child is the same irrespective of whether you use the two jab system or the five-in-one jab," he said. This was also the case in UK until recently, he said, with the five-in-one available only in the private sector.

Asked whether the local immunisation centre was keeping tabs on the situation in the UK with regard to the vaccine, the spokesman said all those involved in immunisation regularly attended conferences in the UK and followed British medical journals to ensure that they are up-to-date with all the latest developments not just in Britain but also the rest of the world.

Human vaccines used locally are imported and purchased by open tender.

The spokesman said most are manufactured in European Union countries, something which has become an obligatory condition since Malta's EU accession last May.