Pentacel combination vaccine is approved by FDA

Sanofi-Pasteur has announced the FDA approval of Pentacel, a combination vaccine that will protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. The new vaccine is indicated for use in infants and children six weeks through four years of age, and should be administered as a four-dose series at two, four, six, and 15-18 months of age. Use of the vaccine could reduce the number of injections necessary during the first 18 months of age by seven.