The combo, which is the first endorsed by the agency, is approved for use in infants and children 6 weeks through 4 years of age and contains immunization against Haemophilus influenza type b, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis.

Called Pentacel, the Sanofi-Pasteur vaccine is approved for administration as a four-dose series at 2, 4, 6 and 15 to 18 months of age. The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age, according to a statement from the drugmaker.

Sanofi notes that the current recommended childhood immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says up to 23 injections are needed by the time a child reaches 18 months with single-entity vaccines. Using Pentacel could reduce the number of shots by seven, according to Wayne Pisano, Sanofi-Pasteur’s ceo, in the statement.