Quadracel™ DTaP-IPV Vaccine Approved for Children 4 To 6 Years Old

Sanofi Pasteur announced the availability of Quadracel™ (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed and Inactivated Poliovirus; DTaP-IPV) vaccine in the United States.

Quadracel is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis in children 4 through 6 years of age.

A 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed an 11 percent vaccination coverage drop-off from the third to fourth dose of DTaP, and a 12 percent drop-off from the primary to full series of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

The CDC recommends children 4 through 6 years of age receive the fifth dose of the DTaP vaccine and the fourth dose of inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine.

Quadracel vaccine provides these two vaccines in a single shot.

"Far too many children remain under-vaccinated against serious diseases like pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease," said David P. Greenberg, M.D., Associate Vice President and Regional Medical Head North America, Sanofi Pasteur.

"When Quadracel is used in children who started their immunization series with Pentacel® (DTaP-IPV/Hib), it can save an extra shot and may help improve vaccination coverage for children through 6 years of age."

"Reducing the number of vaccine injections in a multi-dose series can mean more than just convenience," said Michael J. Smith MD, MSCE, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine.

"According to the CDC, it can also lead to stocking fewer vaccines – which helps facilitate process standardization – increased staff efficiency and prevention of administration errors."

Pentacel vaccine is given as a 4-dose series to children 6 weeks through 4 years of age (prior to fifth birthday) to help prevent diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, and infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (e.g., meningitis).

Quadracel vaccine is given for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis.

Some signs of allergic reactions are hives, swelling of the throat, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and shock. If your child begins experiencing any of these signs seek treatment right away.

These reactions are rare and usually occur before leaving the doctor's office. If you notice any other problems or symptoms following vaccination, please contact your child's healthcare professional promptly.

Tell the doctor if your child has ever experienced a severe brain disorder, such as encephalopathy (altered consciousness), Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness), or if side effects occurred following a previous dose of pertussis-containing vaccine.

Breathing problems following vaccine administered into the muscle have been seen in some babies born prematurely.

Side effects to Pentacel vaccine include redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site; fever, fussiness, and abnormal crying. Other side effects may occur.

Side effects of Quadracel vaccine include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site; muscle pain, fatigue, and headache. Other side effects may occur.

Vaccination with Pentacel or Quadracel vaccine may not protect all people receiving the vaccine.

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The CDC vaccine price list can be found here.