Abstract |
Thimerosal, a mercury-based compound, is no longer used as a preservative in any of the pediatric hepatitis B vaccines licensed in the United States. On March 28, 2000, SmithKline Beecham Biologicals (Rixensart, Belgium) received approval from the Food and Drug Administration of a supplement to its hepatitis B license to include the manufacture of single- antigen, preservative-free hepatitis B vaccine ( Engerix-B, pediatric/adolescent); distribution of this product has begun. A single- antigen, preservative-free hepatitis B vaccine ( Recombivax HB, pediatric) from Merck Vaccine Division (West Point, Pennsylvania) had earlier received similar approval (1). A preservative-free Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)/ hepatitis B combination vaccine ( Comvax) from Merck Vaccine Division also is available. An adequate supply of preservative-free hepatitis B vaccine is available for all infant and childhood vaccinations. Thimerosal preservative-containing hepatitis B vaccines may continue to be used for vaccination of adolescents and adults as recommended (2).
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Authors | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Journal | MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report
(MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep)
Vol. 49
Issue 28
Pg. 642, 651
(Jul 21 2000)
ISSN: 0149-2195 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10926308
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Hepatitis B Vaccines
- Preservatives, Pharmaceutical
- Thimerosal
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Topics |
- Hepatitis B Vaccines
(supply & distribution)
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Preservatives, Pharmaceutical
- Thimerosal
- United States
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