Abstract
Combination vaccines allow the administration of multiple vaccine antigens without the need for multiple injections. Recently, a combined diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (DTaP–IPV), Kinrix™, has been licensed in the USA for use as the fifth DTaP dose and fourth IPV dose in children 4–6 years of age. Clinical trials have shown Kinrix to be immunogenic in 4–6-year-old children, with a safety profile comparable with that of separate DTaP and IPV vaccination. The use of Kinrix reduces by one the number of injections required to provide this age group with all recommended immunizations. Strategies such as the use of combined vaccines can help to maintain high levels of coverage against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis diseases.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
WM Weston is an employee of GlaxoSmithKline. NP Klein has received research support from GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Pasteur, Novartis Vaccine and Merck & Co.
Kinrix, Infanrix, Pediarix and Priorix are all trademarks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. IPOL, Tetravac, Quadracel, Tripedia and Daptacel are trademarks of Sanofi Pasteur. MMRII is a trademark of Merck & Co and Di-Te-Ki-Pol is a trademark of Statens Serum Institut.
The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
Writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript. Assistance was provided by Dr J Wolter and J Donnelly, with the support of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.