IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

HAEMOPHILUS B/HEPATITIS B VACCINE - INJECTION

(HEE-moe-FIL-us/HEP-a-TYE-tis vak-SEEN)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Comvax

USES: This medication is used in infants to help prevent infection from a certain bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae type b) and the hepatitis B virus. Haemophilus influenzae b bacteria can cause a serious, sometimes fatal brain infection (meningitis) and lung infection (pneumonia). Hepatitis B infection can cause serious problems including liver failure, persistent hepatitis B infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Protecting against these infections can prevent these problems.

This vaccine contains killed Haemophilus bacteria and a man-made piece of the hepatitis B virus. It does not contain live virus, so your infant cannot get either of these infections from the vaccine. This vaccine causes the body to make immune defensive substances (antibodies) that can protect you from these infections.

This vaccine is recommended for all infants 6 weeks to 15 months old who are born to mothers who do not have current hepatitis B infection.

This vaccine is not for use in adults.

HOW TO USE: Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider.

This vaccine is usually given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional.

A series of 3 injections is usually used when the infant is aged 2 months, 4 months, and 12 to 15 months. Your doctor will give you a vaccination schedule, which must be followed closely for best effectiveness. If your infant has an infection with fever at the time a vaccination is scheduled, your doctor may choose to delay the injection until he/she is better.

If your infant is exposed to hepatitis B at birth, a different vaccine and other treatments should be used. Consult your doctor for more information.