Fewer tears, less stress. (Stateline).As vaccines prevent more and more diseases, the average number of shots for infants has increased. In fact, today's children receive approximately 20 immunization immunization: see immunity; vaccination. shots by the age of 2. The good news is that children can now be protected from five serious diseases with fewer shots through a vaccine called Pediarix. It is the latest combination children's vaccine to receive FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. approval. The vaccine protects infants against diphtheria diphtheria (dĭfthēr`ēə), acute contagious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Klebs-Loffler bacillus) bacteria that have been infected by a bacteriophage. It begins as a soreness of the throat with fever. , tetanus, pertussis pertussis: see whooping cough. (whooping cough), hepatitis B and polio. Pediarix reduces the number of shots given in the first year by up to six, reducing pain and discomfort for children and stress for parents. In addition, fewer shots may increase the likelihood that infants will get all their shots promptly, improving their chances of good health. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) consists of fifteen advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), selected by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, to provide advice and guidance on the most effective voted to include Pediarix in the federal Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines to certain groups who cannot afford to buy them. |
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