BREAKTHROUGHS

Menactra --Recently, the FDA approved a new conjugate meningococcal vaccine (Menactra) from sanofi pasteur (formerly Aventis Pasteur). Menactra was approved by the FDA on January 14, 2005 for use in people 11-55 yeas of age.

Proquad -- MMRV is a combination vaccine (single shot) for protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox for those 12 months of age and older. Proquad was approved by the FDA in September 2005.

Adacel -- a vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough for those ages 11 to 64. Prior to its licensure in the summer of 2005, no one over the age of 10 had protection against these diseases.

Boostrix -- vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough for those 10 to 18 years of age. Licensed in the summer of 2005.

Pediarix -- combination vaccine DTaP/IPV/Hep B - licensed in January 2003 has decreased the number of shots infants receive at 2,4,6 months of age

Hepatitis A -- (Vaqta, Havrix) previously only those 24 months of age and older were protected. Approved in October 2005, now those 12 months and older can be protected.

FluMist -- intranasal flu vaccine, licensed June 17, 2003

Coming:  HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer is anticipating licensure late 2006 or early 2007; HSV for the prevention of genital herpes - it is the first gender specific vaccine that works only in women and not men; Pentacel -DTaP/IPV/Hib - a combination vaccine which decreases the number of shots for ages 2,4,6, & 15 months of age - probable licensure Summer 2006; Staph Vaccine to prevent serious infections in the blood as well as possible skin infections for 18 years of age and older; RSV intranasal vaccine -- RSV is the cause of bronchiolitis in infants; Croup (parainfluenza) to prevent croup in infants, a nasal spray    Work on these studies is continuing