FDA Approves “Six Vaccines in One”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new vaccine that is being billed as “six vaccines in one.” As reported by Forbes.com:

“[T]he hexavalent Vaxelis is designed to offer protection against six diseases and significantly reduce the number of shots you need to get as a little kid. Thus, to be fully immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, and invasive haemophilus influenza type B disease, [children] will only have to get three doses of Vaxelis between… turning 6 weeks and turning 5 years old.”

Sanofi and Merck, which jointly developed the hexavalent vaccine, expect it to be widely available in the United States by next year.

Hexavalent Vaxelis will Significantly Reduce the Number of Childhood Immunization Shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, and haemophilus influenza type B disease (Hib) by age five. Currently, each of these vaccinations must be administered separately, with each requiring multiple doses. As a result, in order to be fully immunized against these six diseases, children must receive 15 shots by age five. With hexavalent Vaxelis, this number would be reduced to three.

The FDA recommends administration of the three necessary doses of hexavalent Vaxelis at two, four and six months of age. Hexavalent Vaxelis is administered by intramuscular (IM) injection. Along with hexavalent Vaxelis, children under the age of six will continue to need separate shots for:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Influenza (flu)
  • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
  • Pneumococcal conjugate
  • Rotavirus
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

Reducing the Number of Shots Will Reduce the Risk of Vaccine Shoulder Injuries

Since vaccine shoulder injuries (known as “shoulder injury related to vaccine administration” or “SIRVA”) result from errors during the immunization process, reducing the number of shots children need before the age of six will also reduce their risk of vaccination-related injuries. While mild pain at the injection site is normal following an IM or subcutaneous vaccine injection, severe pain and other lingering symptoms can be signs of potentially-serious injuries caused by errors such as:

  • Inserting the needle too high on the shoulder
  • Inserting the needle too low on the arm
  • Inserting the needle too deep below the skin
  • Inserting the needle at an incorrect angle
  • Using a wrong-size needle that is not suitable for children

When these errors result in SIRVA, families can incur significant financial costs, and individuals can experience difficult and painful challenges during the recovery process. To recover financial compensation for these losses, claimants can file claims under the federal government’s National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Learn more: Should You File a Claim Under the VICP?

Speak with National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, our firm can assist you in filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). To learn more about our no-cost legal representation for vaccine injury claims, please call 202-800-1711 or tell us how to reach you online today.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.