HEPATITIS B VACCINE

Hepatitis B vaccine in adults with diabetes. Policy Note: Use of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Adults with Diabetes Mellitus MMWR 2011;60(50):1709. [link] (12-23-11)
Vaccine Information Statement on Hep B updated February 2 2012. link
IAC provides a table on Hepatitis B Prevention Mandates for Daycare and K-12. link
Position papers continue WHO’s recommendations for Hep B vaccine at birth and 2-3 follow-up doses.
WHO also comments on the excellent safety of Hep B vaccines. Wkly Epi Record 2009;84(40):405. Link
Protective efficacy, immunotherapeutic potential, and safety of hepatitis B vaccines.
Jane Zuckerman's review article finds that there is no evidence of an association between hepatitis B vaccine and SIDS, MS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Zuckerman also reports that Hepatitis B vaccines are among the safest vaccines with few true adverse reactions. J Med Virol 2006 Feb;78(2):169-77. PubMed Abstract
IOM Press Release: No Link Found Between Hepatitis B Vaccine and Certain Neurological Disorders. (05-30-02) Link
IOM Report on Hepatitis B Vaccine and Demyelinating Neurological Disorders. The Institute of Medicine's Immunization Safety Review Committee found that the epidemiologic evidence "favors rejection of a causal relationship between the hepatitis B vaccine in adults and multiple sclerosis". (05-30-02) Link
Balancing Risks and Benefits: Primum non nocere Is Too Simplistic.
Neal Halsey and Lynn Goldman's response to an earlier commentary regarding the delay of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. They also include new information regarding methyl- and ethyl-mercury. Pediatrics 2001 Aug;108(2):466-7. (08-02-01) Link to Pediatrics
Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirm that hepatitis B vaccine does not increase risk of multiple sclerosis (02-01-01). More Info
Fears of Hepatitis Vaccine/Multiple Sclerosis Link Unfounded
Flu and Tetanus Immunizations Also Safe for MS Patients: link to story on WebMD (1-31-01).
New Preservative-Free Hepatitis B Vaccine approved by FDA for pediatric and adolescent use (03-31-00). More Info
Transverse myelitis not a recognized vaccine complication
Clarification of Dr. Kerr's position on hepatitis B vaccine and transverse myelitis (12-01-99). More Info
New Thimerosal-free Hepatitis B Vaccine for Use in Infants
On August 27,1999, the FDA approved a modified hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) produced by Merck. The new product is distinguished from the original by an orange streak on the label stating "Preservative Free". Use of the new product should be limited to infants at this time in order to assure sufficient supplies for all children. MMWR 1999;48(35):780-2. (08-27-99) Link
Hepatitis B Vaccine and Multiple Sclerosis:
A statement prepared by Neal Halsey, MD responding to the issue of Hepatitis B Vaccine and Multiple Sclerosis. (8-30-99) More Info
Suspension of Hepatitis B Vaccine in France: Findings of a meeting in Geneva, Sept 28-30, 1998
Links to other sites for information on Hepatitis B Vaccine

This page was last updated on November 07, 2012