Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - With vaccine fears in the news lately, comes word of a new 6-in-1 vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
"In some cases, it does make a difference, especially with older kids. If you can combine the shots, or number of needles, it tends to make it easier on kids. We've been giving combination shots for a long time. The measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, for example, is a 3-in-1," he said. "Jumping to a 6-in-1 will significantly reduce the number of required shots."
The new FDA approved vaccine is called Vaxelis. It's designed for children between six weeks and 4 years old. The FDA says it keeps them from contracting diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B and invasive disease due to haemophilus influenzae type B.
A Southtowns mother has been in the news recently for her lawsuit against the Orchard Park Central School district over vaccinations. A State Supreme Court Judge has ruled that Marina Williams' two daughters will not be allowed to attend classes because they have not received the required vaccines. Williams, who is seeking a religious exemption, is now appealing to the State Education Department.
"Parents have to make the best decisions for their kids," said Dr. Kuo. "But it's important for schools to make sure that students are protected."
Vaccines are not 100% effective. Many are 95% to 99% effective. "There are always going to be a group of kids who don't respond to vaccines, or they're taking medications which make them immune-compromised, so they can't fight-off infection". Kuo added, "it's important that kids in school are vaccinated so we can protect those kids who can't fight off infections."
Regarding recent outbreaks of measles around the country, especially near Seattle and as close as Rochester, the Kaleida Health doctor said it's really concerning. "Measles was eliminated in the U.S. almost two decades ago. This was a disease that killed thousands and thousands of children in previous years. It's a safe vaccine and well studied. To see it make a comeback tells us it doesn't take much for the disease to come roaring back. We've really got to be careful and make sure that kids are vaccinated."
