Alternate Name(s):
Engerix B, Recombivax HB
Classification:
Vaccine
Original Date:
February 1995
Revised Date:
November 2022
Indications:
- Pre-exposure immunization and post exposure protection
Administration:
- IM: anterolateral thigh muscle
- Administer at a different site than HBIG
Dosage:
Infants of HbsAg+ve mothers or unknown status:
- Dose:
- 5 mcg (0.5 mL) of Recombivax HB® 10 mcg/mL OR
- 10 mcg (0.5 mL) of Engerix-B® 20 mcg/mL
- First dose to be given within 12 hours of birth
- Schedule:
- Term: 0, 1, 6 months
- Preterm infants < 2 kg at birth: 0, 1, 2, 6 months
Pre-exposure immunization (high risk infants of HbsAv-ve mothers):
- Dose:
- 5 mcg (0.5 mL) of Recombivax HB® 10 mcg/mL OR
- 10 mcg (0.5 mL) of Engerix B® 20 mcg/mL
- Schedule: 0,1,6 months
- For preterm infants weighing < 2 kg: delay initiation of immunization until infant reaches 1 month of age
- Immunize with a total of 3 doses: 1 month, 2 - 4 months, 6 - 18 months. Please refer to each province's guidelines for exact timing/intervals.
Side Effects:
- Pain at injection site
- Low grade fever
Reconstitution and Stability:
- Refrigerate
Compatibility:
N/A
Notes:
- Recombivax HB is preferable for neonates, as it is a thimerosal-free vaccine
- When a mother is infected with HBV, testing of the infant for HB serology is recommended 1 month after completion of the vaccine series
References:
- Pickering LK, ed. 2012 Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 29th ed. Elk Grove Village: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2012.
-
Canadian Immunization Guide: Part 4 - Active Vaccines (Hepatitis B). Accessed online Nov 2022.