Combined Vaccine Gets FDA Approval

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Combined Vaccine Gets FDA Approval

New York Times (12.17.02) - Tuesday, December 17, 2002
Donald G. McNeil Jr.

A vaccine that protects infants against five diseases has been approved for use in the United States, its manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, announced yesterday. The new vaccine, Pediarix, could mean as many as six fewer injections in the first year for many babies. It combines vaccines against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis B and polio, and is intended to be given three times, at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Children in the United States are typically given up to 15 injections in their first year, a schedule that experts say has led some parents to resist immunizations. The combined vaccine should cut that number to 9 for many children.
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