Merck, Sanofi launch Vaxelis

Vaxelis, developed as part of a U.S.-based partnership between Merck and Sanofi Pasteur, the global vaccines business unit of Sanofi, is now available in the United States.

Vaxelis is the first and only hexavalent (6 in 1) combination vaccine available in the United States indicated for active immunization to help prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Vaxelis is approved for use as a three-dose series in children between the ages of 6 weeks old to 4 years old.

On Feb. 11, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee included Vaxelis as a combination vaccine option in the CDC’s Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.