Mumbai, Nov 24 (IANS): Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of French pharmaceutical company Sanofi, launched on Thursday its ready-to-use fully liquid six-in-one vaccine designed to protect infants against six diseases, including polio.

The vaccine, Hexaxim, indicated for primary and booster vaccination of infants and toddlers from six weeks to 24 months of age, provides protection against six major childhood diseases -- diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenza B and Hepatitis B.

"We are very excited and proud to introduce India's first six-in-one combination pediatric vaccine," Jean-Pierre Baylet, Country Head - Sanofi Pasteur India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, said in a statement.

The innovative vaccine can help reduce administration time and the number of injections that children receive.

Hexaxim today protects infants in more than 60 countries, with over 20 million doses distributed worldwide, Sanofi Pasteur said.

During its clinical study assessment, Hexaxim was found to be safe and well tolerated as a primary series and booster vaccination in all schedules, countries, and ethnicities tested, it added.