Pneumonia Shot Succeeds With Five-Vaccine Combo for Kids

Giving children a pneumococcal vaccine along with a combo vaccine for five other childhood diseases was found safe and effective for both vaccines, according to a study reported here.

An investigational combination vaccine, Pentacel, against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae, did not interfere with the immunogenicity of Prevnar (Wyeth), a seven-valent conjugate vaccine against pneumococcus infection, said Kathryn M. Edwards, M.D., of Vanderbilt.

This would appear to allow the two vaccines to be administrated at the same time, she and colleagues researchers reported at a meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

"Earlier studies have shown that co-administration of vaccines can interfere with immune responses to one or more components," said Dr. Edwards.

When both Prevnar, the pneumococcal vaccine, and Pentacel were administered at the same time, there was no observed interference in the immune responses or the safety of the vaccines. "The use of combination vaccines reduces the number of injections needed in young children, a welcome benefit for parents and infants," she added.

Diphtheria immunization (vaccine)

This is an immunization (vaccination) to protect against diptheria (a bacterial disease that affects the throat and can cause serious or fatal complications). See also immunizations - general overview.

There are three forms of diphtheria immunization described next. See also pertussis immunization (vaccine) and Tetanus - vaccine.

The DTaP vaccine is a "3-in-1" vaccine that protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus. It can be given to children less than 7 years old. It is given by injection, usually into the arm or the thigh.

The DT vaccine is a "2-in-1" vaccine that can be given to children less than 7 years old. It protects against diphtheria and tetanus. It is given by injection, usually into the arm or thigh.

The Td vaccine is the "adult" vaccine. It is a "2-in-1" vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria. It contains a slightly different dose of diphtheria vaccine than the DT vaccine. It can be given to anyone older than 7 years old. The vaccine is injected, usually into the arm.

In the Vanderbilt study, 3,022 healthy infants at 23 sites in the U.S. were given Pentacel and Prevnar vaccines at two months, four months and six months of age. The children were also given the required vaccinations.