Two GSK vaccines included in CDC recommendations

According to GlaxoSmithKline, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted to include two new vaccines manufactured by the company into the childhood immunization program. Rotarix, approved in April, is recommended for routine vaccination of infants to provide immunity against rotavirus gastroenteritis. Rotarix should be administered orally as a two-dose series by four months of age. The second vaccine, Kinrix, was approved in June and offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio for eligible four- to six year-olds who were previously vaccinated with Pediarix and/or Infanrix products. According to GSK, ACIP also voted to include both vaccines in the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated due to an inability to pay.

To see more Daily News articles, click here.

To go to the Drug Topics homepage, click here.