(Click Engerix-B Uses for more information on what the vaccine is used for, including possible off-label indications.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Engerix-B does not contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative. People who are concerned about exposure to this substance can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal -- not even trace amounts.
Some people also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines. The pediatric version of this vaccine (used for children and teens) contains 0.25 mg of aluminum per dose, while the adult version contains 0.5 mg per dose.
This vaccine is not made from human fetal components or animal components, unlike some vaccines.
Engerix-B is made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.
This vaccine contains hepatitis B surface antigens, which are proteins on the outer surface of the virus that can be recognized by the immune system.
Unlike older versions of the hepatitis vaccine, currently available vaccines (including Engerix-B) are not made using human blood products. Instead, they are made using recombinant DNA technology. Engerix-B is not "live," so there is absolutely no chance that a person could get hepatitis B from this vaccine.
Simply stated, this vaccine "tricks" the body into thinking it has been exposed to the
hepatitis B virus. The body produces antibodies in response that will help fight infection if future exposure occurs.
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