New formulation of DTP vaccine.

United States of America -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new, preservative-free formulation for a diphtheria and tetanus toxoid and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine (Tripedia[R]). The reformulated product contains less than 0.3 [micro]g mercury per dose (as thiomersal), which is less than 5% of the amount of thiomersal in the original version that the FDA approved in 1992.

Although no harmful effects have been reported from thiomersal in vaccines when used at the recommended dosages, Federal public health agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers have agreed to reduce or eliminate its use in vaccines to protect …