In several studies, the likelihood of on-time completion of the three dose series of hepatitis B vaccine has been shown to be higher among children who received hepatitis B vaccine at birth, including in the populations with low vaccination coverage for other vaccines.

Before routine childhood hepatitis B vaccination programs were instituted, approximately 10,000 children where chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in early childhood. Approximately 50% of these infections occurred in children born to HBsAg-negative women, and infections commonly occurred before 2 years of age. Thus, additional efforts will be required to ensure that children who do not receive their first dose of vaccine at birth are completely vaccinated before 18 months of age.

Should state and local immunization programs or VFC providers stop using hepatitis B vaccines that contain thimerosal?

State and local immunization programs or private health care providers should use the vaccines available in their stock. All vaccines are safe and effective as stated by FDA. CDC is reviewing the current availability of thimerosal-free vaccines for purchase through Federal contracts and is working cooperatively with vaccine manufacturers to implement a plan to reduce and eventually eliminate future purchases of thimerosal containing vaccines.

Can we get thimerosal free vaccine now?

Recent contacts with the vaccine manufacturers included discussion about anticipated increased orders especially for DTaP(Infanrix) and HIB-Hep B(Comvax). Grantees should continue normal ordering patterns (including ordering both thimerosal-containing and thimerosal-free vaccines) until CDC provides notification that adequate supplies of individual thimerosal-free vaccine products are available. If hospitals choose to delay the administration of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine for infants of selected HBsAg negative mothers, redistribution of hospital vaccine inventories may be necessary to avoid wastage.