Sanofi Pasteur Responds to Nation's Need for Hib Vaccine With Increa...(lus influenzae type b or Hib is a bacte...)

Date:6/25/2009

lus influenzae type b, or Hib, is a bacterium that resides in the upper respiratory tract of humans and is usually transmitted by coughing or sneezing. Invasive Hib disease can be very severe, and can cause hospitalization or even death. Before Hib vaccines were available, Hib was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the United States. According to the CDC, about 12,000 children each year, most of whom were younger than 5 years of age, got Hib meningitis. Hib can also cause serious respiratory symptoms that make breathing and swallowing difficult, including epiglottitis (infection in the throat) and pneumonia (infection in the lungs). Hib can also cause blood, bone, or joint infections. Despite the success of Hib vaccine, Hib disease still exists and can be carried in the noses and throats of people who do not demonstrate symptoms. Carriers can spread the bacteria to infants and children who are not immunized or who are incompletely immunized. Vaccinating infants fully and on time helps protect them when they are most vulnerable. If vaccination levels were to drop too low, Hib disease could make a comeback.

Sanofi Pasteur manufactures two Hib-containing vaccines -- ActHIB and Pentacel -- which can be used by physicians to fulfill CDC immunization recommendations. ActHIB vaccine has been available in the United States since 1987. Last year, in June 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed Sanofi Pasteur's Pentacel vaccine, a pediatric combination vaccine for active immunization against five serious childhood diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis and Hib. This new vaccine added another option to meet Hib vaccine demand.

About Pentacel Vaccine

Pentacel vaccine is indicated for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b. Pentacel vaccine is approved for use in children 6
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SOURCE Sanofi Pasteur Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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