What is a combination vaccine?
Does combining multiple vaccines into one shot make them less effective?
Can combination vaccines, such as KINRIX, overload my child’s immune system?
Are combination vaccines recommended by health experts?
What diseases can KINRIX help protect my child against?
- Q: What is a combination vaccine?
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A: A combination vaccine consists of 2 or more separate vaccines that have been combined into a single shot, reducing the number of injections a person needs in a single doctor visit. For example, KINRIX is a combination vaccine that combines two shots into one. Fewer shots can make getting vaccinated easier for you and your child while helping to meet immunization recommendations and school entry requirements.
Back to Top - Q: Does combining multiple vaccines into one shot make them less effective?
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A: No. Combination vaccines are only approved by the FDA when studies show them to offer similar protection and safety as the shots given separately. KINRIX, a combination of DTaP and IPV vaccines has been shown to offer similar protection to separately administered vaccines, with a comparable safety profile and the advantage of one less shot.
Back to Top - Q: Can combination vaccines, such as KINRIX, overload my child’s immune system?
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A: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies show that giving more than one vaccine at the same time does not harm the normal childhood immune system. In fact, leading health experts recommend the use of combination vaccines as a way to reduce the number of shots. These vaccinations are as safe and effective as the individual vaccines, and mean fewer shots for your child.
Back to Top - Q: Are combination vaccines recommended by health experts?
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A: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have all stated their preference for combination vaccines over individual shots. These health experts prefer combination vaccines to reduce the number of shots a child receives in a single doctor visit. Combination vaccines might improve the chances of your child receiving his or her shots on time. The correct timing of children's shots is important to help make sure protection is achieved.
Watch this video to learn what one pediatrician thinks about combination vaccines.
Back to Top - Q: What diseases can KINRIX help protect my child against?
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A: KINRIX is the first and only FDA-approved combination vaccine to offer protection against four diseases—diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough) and polio—with one injection in the US. Before KINRIX, your child may have needed two shots to protect against these diseases. KINRIX combines these two vaccines into one shot. Talk to your doctor to see if KINRIX is right for your child. Learn more about KINRIX here.
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NEXT: Watch how combination vaccines can help make the vaccination process easier.
Ask your doctor if KINRIX is right for your child.
KINRIX is indicated for the fifth DTaP and fourth dose IPV in 4 to 6 year olds whose previous DTaP vaccine doses have been with INFANRIX and/or PEDIARIX.
Important Safety Information
In clinical studies, common adverse events were injection-site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, or increase in arm circumference), drowsiness, fever, and loss of appetite. Previous hypersensitivity to any component of KINRIX, including neomycin and polymyxin B, is a contraindication. Encephalopathy within 7 days of administration of a previous pertussis-containing vaccine or a progressive neurologic disorder is a contraindication. The decision to give KINRIX should be based on potential benefits and risks, if Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior vaccine containing tetanus toxoid, or if adverse events have occurred in temporal relation to receipt of a pertussis-containing vaccine. The needleless, prefilled syringes contain dry natural latex rubber and may cause allergic reactions. For children at higher risk for seizures, an antipyretic may be administered at the time of vaccination. Vaccination with KINRIX may not protect all individuals who received the vaccine.
Download the Complete Prescribing Information for KINRIX
Download Patient Information for KINRIX
Infanrix® (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Adsorbed)
Pediarix® [Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed, Hepatitis B (Recombinant) and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine Combined]
KINRIX is a trademark of GlaxoSmithKline.
Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium
Distributed by GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
