New combo shot for kids

    Earlier this summer, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new combination vaccine that blends multiple immunizations into one shot. The vaccine, made by GlaxoSmithKline, includes protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio — which are required for school children.

    Dr. Stephen Aronoff, chair of Temple University’s Pediatrics Department, says the vaccine will help make immunizations more accessible. “There are actually surprising numbers of children who have not fulfilled even basic requirements for vaccinations, so the thinking I believe and I agree with the thinking if there are fewer shots required there is going to be some percentage of children or some percentage of families who are more likely going to be more compliant with the vaccination requirements of the AAP and ACIP.”

    The AAP and ACIP are national organizations that set the guidelines for childhood vaccinations.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    –Sharon Gaeta

    American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
    ACIP

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal