FDA approves expanded use of Adacel vaccine

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the expanded use of Adacel (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis [Tdap] vaccine adsorbed) to include repeat vaccination to help protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Developed by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine business of French pharma major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN), Adacel is now the first and only Tdap vaccine in the USA approved for a repeat dose in people 10 through 64 years of age, 8 years or more after the first vaccination. Adacel is also the only Tdap vaccine available in a syringe made without natural rubber latex, which may help reduce risk to patients with an allergy.2

"While strong vaccination programs are in place for young adolescents, a single Tdap immunization does not offer lifetime protection against pertussis due to waning immunity,"said Dr David Greenberg, regional medical head North America at Sanofi Pasteur."The licensure of Adacel as the first Tdap vaccine in the US for repeat vaccination is an important step for eligible patients and offers flexibility for health care providers to help manage their immunization schedules," he noted.