Five-in-one vaccine for children now OK – FDA

Tomorrow, my son is going for his sixth month wellness check, and routine to that visit is immunization. Ugh. I know these are necessary for him, but there could be anywhere from 3-4 shots depending on what vaccines he needs to receive.

Well, now the FDA has approved a vaccine (Pantacel) against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.

The vaccine was approved for four-dose administration at two, four, six, and 15-18 months, but the initial dose may be given as early as six weeks. Full administration should be completed before the child’s fifth birthday.

It’s well tolerated in the clinical trial and the most frequently reported serious adverse events were bronchiolitis, dehydration, and gastroenteritis.

I guess it’s biggest pro is fewer number of shots per visit. I’m not sure if this vaccine is available to the medical community but I’m gonna ask the pediatrician about this. I’m not recommending this either, but I do want the word out.