FDA approves DTaP-IPV combo vaccine for children ages 4 to 6

FDA has approved use of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed and Inactivated Poliovirus; DTaP-IPV (Quadracel, Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi) vaccine for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis in children aged 4 through 6 years.

“The FDA approval of Quadracel vaccine provides healthcare providers with a new combination vaccine, potentially reducing the number of vaccine injections children aged 4 through 6 would need,” said David Greenberg, MD, vice president, scientific & medical affairs, and chief medical officer, Sanofi Pasteur U.S. “We think this combination vaccine could help ensure children are getting vaccinated in line with current recommendations.”

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children 4 through 6 years of age receive both their fifth dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine and their fourth dose of inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine series.

Quadracel vaccine can be administered as a fifth dose in the DTaP series and as a fourth or fifth dose in the IPV series in children 4 through 6 years of age. DTaP-IPV vaccines help protect children from contracting diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio. Complications from the diseases may include swelling of the heart muscle, heart failure, coma, paralysis, pneumonia, broken bones, breathing difficulty and death.

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Quadracel vaccine is approved for use following the appropriate doses of Pentacel combination vaccine, or following stand-alone DAPTACEL and IPOL vaccines, which are also Sanofi Pasteur licensed products.

The cost of Quadracel vaccine can be affected by a few factors, including ordering method and promotions, therefore, said Dr Greenberg, specific cost numbers cannot be shared.

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