13 Feb Quadracel™ DTaP-IPV Vaccine Now Available in US
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. David Greenberg
Dr. David Greenberg MD
Vice President, Scientific & Medical Affairs
and Chief Medical Officer
Sanofi Pasteur U.S.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the importance of improved vaccination rates in light of recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases?
Response: It’s imperative. Too many children remain under-vaccinated against serious infectious diseases, and as the CDC reminds us – in addition to our country’s most credible medical associations – immunization is key in helping prevent both sporadic and outbreak-related cases of these diseases.1 In 2015, the CDC reported 6,448 new cases of pertussis in kids younger than 7 years of age, some of which could have potentially been avoided if vaccination completion was better. 2
MedicalResearch.com: How does Quadracel vaccine differ from other currently available vaccines? How may it reduce under-vaccination?
Response: There is only one other DTaP-IPV vaccine approved by the FDA that has the same indication. Quadracel vaccine and the other FDA-approved DTaP-IPV vaccine differs with respect to the amounts and types of active ingredients they contain. Despite these differences, both vaccines are considered safe and effective. No head-to-head trials of these 2 vaccines have been conducted, so we can’t compare the safety or immunogenicity of one vaccine to the other.
One of our goals is to help remove barriers to timely immunization, and we think Quadracel vaccine, as a combination vaccine, can help with adherence to the current CDC immunization schedule. In addition, Quadracel vaccine may potentially reduce the number of vaccine injections children would need at 4–6 years of age, providing more convenience for parents and health care providers.
MedicalResearch.com: When will Quadracel vaccine be available in pediatricians’ offices?
Response: Quadracel vaccine is available now for health care providers to order.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: Because combination vaccines contain components that can be found in multiple separate vaccines, physicians can potentially stock fewer vaccines. According to the CDC, this helps streamline inventory, prevent administrative errors and costs, decrease cold storage capacity needs, and minimize waste resulting from less frequently used products expiring.3
Citations:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Policy. https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/immunization/Pages/vaccine-preventable-diseases-and-policy.aspx. Accessed February 2, 2017.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2015 Final Pertussis Surveillance Report. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/downloads/pertuss-surv-report-2015.pdf. Accessed February 13, 2017.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). General Recommendations on Immunization: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6002a1.htm. Accessed February 2, 2017.
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on February 13, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD