Federal advisors have given their approval for 2 new combination vaccines for children. Combination vaccines include more than one, sometimes up to 5 different vaccines in a single injection. The goal is to reduce the total number of shots children go through during their vaccination schedule.

GlaxoSmithKline has produced a vaccine to include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio, which would be given to preschool children only once. Sanofi Pasteur has introduced a five in one vaccine to include protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Hib that would be given four times before the age of 2years.

The introduction of the new combination shots do not change the existing recommended vaccination schedule but they will provide the option for children to receive less needle sticks overall. The Food and Drug Administration has already approved the new combination vaccines for use and the Vaccines for Children program will be using them for children who are covered under Medicaid or meet other eligibility criteria.