FDA approves new vaccine to protect against deadly meningitis in babies

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The Food and Drug Administration has approved a combination vaccine to protect against two bacteria that cause potentially deadly meningitis in children.

'Menhibrix' is made by GlaxoSmithKline and is intended for babies aged 6- to 18-months.

The combination vaccine would allow doctors to protect against several types of bacteria that cause meningitis without increasing the number of shots given to children.

Babies already receive Hib immunization, which can cause meningitis-- that component would be included in this new vaccine.

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal.