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Pediatricians Excited About New Vaccine

Good news for parents and infants, now babies will need fewer shots to receive all their vaccinations.

The FDA approved the new Pediarix vaccine this week. Instead of nine shots, kids only have to be injected three times for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, and Hepatitis B.

The head of Mother Frances' Pediatrics department, Dr. Hal Everett, says that will make it easier on parents and their children. He believes the Pediarix vaccine will save time and cut down on the stress of getting multiple shots. But he does see a potential downside.

"The Hepatitus B component is currently given right after birth or within the first day or two of life in the hospital. And, with the new vaccine schedule, as part of the combined vaccine, this vaccine is now going to be given at age 2, 4, and 6 months. And there will not be that first Hepatitus vaccine given in the hospital and that is a potential missed opportunity to vaccinate an infant."

Pediarix is the first-five-in-one vaccine to receive FDA approval.