MEMO: New Format for Engerix-B® Vaccine
TO: Health Care Providers Who Order and Administer Engerix-B®
FROM: Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) Program
REFERENCE: New Format for Engerix-B® Vaccine
DATE: Dec. 19,
2019
New Format for Engerix-B® Vaccine:
- The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has depleted their current inventory of Engerix-B® vaccine
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has changed Engerix-B® to a pre-filled ridge top cap (PRTC) format.
GSK no longer manufactures the vial format.
- The newly formatted Engerix-B® vaccine will be utilized to support the publicly funded Hepatitis B immunization program, including the grade 7 immunization program
Make Sure you Have Safety Engineered Needle (Tips) in Stock:
- The use of safety engineered needles (SENs) is required under the Needle Safety Regulation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- The use of SENs reduces the risk of a skin puncture or injury to the workers
- Given that the new format for Engerix-B® vaccine does not have SENs, you will need to:
- Have SENs (i.e., needle tips) in
stock
- Properly dispose of the needle that comes with the product and attach a SEN
Use the Entire Engerix-B® Syringe:
- Partial doses should not be given. The Engerix-B® is meant to be given in its entirety
- Use a pediatric dose if less than 1 mL is needed
Make Sure You Have Enough Fridge Space:
- The package size for the PRTC format is 42x24x133 mm, which will take up more room in your vaccine fridge. Please ensure you have sufficient fridge space to store the vaccines properly.
To Order Hepatitis B Vaccine: