FDA approves 5-in-1 vaccine

WASHINGTON A new vaccine combines vaccines for five common childhood diseases into one.

Sanofi Pasteur announced Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration had approved a vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years that guards against diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis and complications from Haemophilas influenza type b. Called Pentacel, it is administered in four doses.

It has been on the market in Canada for 10 years.