Comvax

Comvax is a vaccine used to prevent hepatitis B and Hib (a type of bacteria that can cause life-threatening diseases). It is typically given as three doses, with the first dose given at two months of age. The vaccine works by "tricking" the body into thinking it has been exposed to Hib bacteria and hepatitis B. Possible side effects include irritability, fever, and drowsiness.

What Is Comvax?

Comvax® (Hib vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine) is a childhood vaccine. It is a combined vaccine that provides protection against the following:
 
Currently, Comvax is unavailable due to problems with the manufacturing process, but is expected to return to the market at an unknown time.
 
(Click Comvax Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns

Comvax does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to thimerosal can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal -- not even trace amounts.
 
Some parents also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines. Comvax contains 225 mcg (0.225 mg) of aluminum per dose.
 
This vaccine is not made from human fetal components or animal components, unlike some vaccines.
 

Who Makes Comvax?

Comvax is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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