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Comvax Vaccine Information
Comvax® (Hib vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine) is a childhood vaccine that offers protection against:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a type of bacteria that can cause potentially life-threatening diseases
- Hepatitis B.
Unlike older versions of the hepatitis vaccine, Comvax is not made using human blood products. Instead, it uses recombinant DNA technology. Because Comvax is not "live," there is absolutely no chance that a person could get hepatitis B from the vaccination.
Comvax is typically given as three doses. Ideally, the first dose is given at two months of age, although it can be given to newborns as young as six weeks old. As with any medicine, side effects are possible. Some of the more common side effects reported with Comvax include fever, drowsiness, and irritability.
Due to manufacturing problems, Comvax is currently unavailable. However, it is expected to return to the market at some point.
(Click Comvax for more detailed information on this vaccine. This article takes a closer look at how it works, what it is made of, what you should be aware of before getting your child vaccinated, and more.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD