Availability of Hepatitis B Vaccine That Does Not Contain Thimerosal as a Preservative
Article Abstract:
Hospitals should review their vaccination policies now that a hepatitis B vaccine is available that does not contain thimerosal. Thimerosal is a preservative added to vaccines to prevent bacterial contamination. However, it contains mercury and some hospitals consequently decided to stop vaccinating newborn babies against hepatitis B. If the mother is infected with the hepatitis B virus, she may transmit the virus to her baby. This can cause serious liver disease and death of the baby. On August 27, 1999, Merck Vaccine Division received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to manufacture a preservative-free hepatitis B vaccine called Recombivax HB(R), Pediatric.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Recommendations Regarding the Use of Vaccines That Contain Thimerosal as a Preservative
Article Abstract:
Manufacturers have developed several vaccines that do not contain thimerosal. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative used in vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. One preservative-free hepatitis B vaccine is already on the market and another awaits FDA approval. One preservative-free DTP vaccine already exists and three more are in development. A thimerosal-free Hib vaccine and a combination Hib/hepatitis B vaccine are also available. All influenza vaccines contain thimerosal but the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices believes the advantages of the vaccine outweigh any adverse effects of thimerosal.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Limiting Infant Exposure to Thimerosal in Vaccines and Other Sources of Mercury
Article Abstract:
Vaccine manufacturers are developing vaccines that do not contain thimerosal but until then, doctors can give babies a single dose of some vaccines without worry. Thimerosal is a preservative used to keep the vaccine from becoming contaminated. In June, 1999, the FDA reported that some babies who receive multiple doses of vaccines containing thimerosal could be exposed to excessive amounts of mercury. Shortly after, two manufacturers announced they would develop thimerosal-free vaccines. However, the benefits of vaccinating babies against hepatitis B in particular could outweigh the effects of thimerosal.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Unpredictability of Serious Bacterial Illness in Febrile Infants From Birth to 1 Month of Age
- Abstracts: Acceptability of a Bioadhesive Nonoxynol-9 Gel Delivered by an Applicator as a Rectal Microbicide. Acceptability of Formulations and Application Methods for Vaginal Microbicides Among Drug-Involved Women
- Abstracts: Alternative Medicine - Learning From the Past, Examining the Present, Advancing to the Future. A close look at therapeutic touch
- Abstracts: Medical management issues of patients on clozapine. Tales from the Death Certificate. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: How Safe Are They?
- Abstracts: A review and critique of common herbal alternative therapies. Impostor Phenomenon and Queen Bee Syndrome: Threats to Success