Jun 25, 2008 6:37 pm US/Eastern
Combo Vaccines Could Ease Pain Of Getting Shots
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Taking your kids to get their shots is just as painful for you as it is for them.
But now there may be a way to vaccinate children against five diseases with just one shot.
A combination vaccine, called Pentacel, just approved by the FDA, could reduce the stress parents and babies face.
If children under 18 months old follow the recommended vaccination schedule they would get 23 separate shots.
With the newly approved 5-in-1 vaccine, they would only get 16.
"Life would be good if we gave one all-encompassing immunization for everything," said Dr. Mark Diamond of Children's Community Pediatrics.
While it doesn't cover everything, Pentacel is designed to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and hemophilus influenza, which causes meningitis and pneumonia.
It's given in four doses, at 2, 4, 6, and 15 months.
The actual cost of the shot is probably more, but the doctor gives one injection.
This can save you the administrative costs of multiple injections.
Studies have shown the vaccine is safe and effective in more than 5,000 children in the U.S. and Canada.
The most common side effects are redness, swelling, and pain.
While some people worry about so many vaccines at one time, Dr. Diamond worries more about the consequences of not vaccinating efficiently.
"The evidence that exists right now says that separating the vaccines makes no difference in the frequency of the cases of autism," said Dr. Diamond. "And unfortunately, by separating them, it does allow the possibility that the children are exposed."
Exposed to viruses, that in a time before vaccines, killed a lot of children.
If your child has ever had a reaction to any of the individual vaccines, they may not be a good candidate for the combination shot.
Also, there might be some issues with switching, if your child has already started their vaccination series with a similar combination shot that covers hepatitis b instead of hemophilus.
Ask your pediatrician which immunization is most appropriate.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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