RECOMBIVAX HB

Indicated For

Hepatitis B prevention

About This Medication

# Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get RECOMBIVAX HB (Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)) at Low or No Cost The **Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program** provides **RECOMBIVAX HB**, a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine, free of charge to eligible uninsured U.S. residents aged 19 and older who meet income criteria and have no vaccine coverage. This guide explains eligibility, the application process, and next steps in simple terms to help you access this important protection against hepatitis B, a serious liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, or shared needles.[1][5] ## About RECOMBIVAX HB **RECOMBIVAX HB** is a vaccine that helps prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It contains a protein from the virus made using recombinant DNA technology, which trains your immune system to fight HBV without causing the disease. It's recommended for adults at risk, including healthcare workers, those with multiple sex partners, people with chronic liver disease, or anyone wanting protection.[1] The vaccine is typically given in a series of **2-3 doses** over several months, depending on the formulation (e.g., adult dose is 1 mL intramuscularly). A healthcare professional must determine it's right for you and administer it. Common side effects are mild, like soreness at the injection site or low fever; serious reactions are rare. Always discuss with your doctor if you have allergies or immune issues.[1][5] ## Who Qualifies? To qualify, you must: - Live in the **United States or U.S. territory** (no U.S. citizenship required). - Be **aged 19 or older**. - Have **no health insurance or other coverage for vaccines** (e.g., no private insurance, HMOs, Medicaid, Medicare, state programs, veterans assistance, or Medicare Part D).[1][2][3] - Meet **income guidelines**: Your annual gross household income (before taxes, including Social Security, pensions) must be below program criteria. Specific dollar thresholds aren't publicly listed, but the program considers financial and medical hardship cases. You'll report your household income and number of dependents; they verify via credit check (no impact on your score) or documents like tax forms.[1][3][5] **Income Eligibility Breakdown** | Household Size | Estimated Threshold | Notes | |---------------|---------------------|-------| | 1 (Individual) | Below program criteria (e.g., ~<400% FPL, varies) | Exact $ not specified; hardship considered[1][5] | | 2 (Couple) | Below program criteria | Includes all household dependents[3] | | 3 | Below program criteria | Gross income before taxes[1] | | 4+ | Below program criteria | Verify with pay stubs, tax 1040, benefits letters[5] | *Note: Thresholds aren't fixed percentages of Federal Poverty Level (FPL); call (800) 293-3881 for your situation. Special cases (e.g., high medical costs) may qualify.*[1][5] ## Insurance Requirements You **must have no coverage for vaccines**. This includes: - Private insurance or HMOs. - Government programs like Medicaid, Medicare (including Part D), VA benefits, or state aid. - Any employer or other prescription/vaccine coverage. If you have Medicare, check "No" for Part D on the form, but Medicare beneficiaries are generally ineligible. The program verifies this. Losing coverage? Reapply when uninsured.[1][2][3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Talk to your doctor or licensed healthcare provider**: Discuss if RECOMBIVAX HB is right for you. They must prescribe it and agree to handle the application.[5][7] 2. **Complete the enrollment form together**: Download from merckhelps.com. Sections include: - **Patient info**: Name, address, phone, DOB, gender, US resident status, insurance (must be none), income, household size. - **Authorizations**: Sign for income verification (Option 1: credit check; Option 2: attach proof like 1040 tax form, pay stub, SS/pension letter, etc.). - **Prescriber sections**: Vaccine details (RECOMBIVAX HB, NDC#), their info, signature. Use black/blue pen; no stamps. Both you and prescriber sign/date.[1][3][7] 3. **Fax the original form**: Prescriber faxes **ALL pages** to **800-528-2551**. Include income proof if not using credit check. Do this **BEFORE** vaccine administration.[1][5][7] 4. **Get approval**: Program calls prescriber with **confirmation number** (goal: <10 minutes during business hours).[1][3] 5. **Receive vaccine**: Administered only after approval. Merck ships **replacement doses quarterly** to prescriber's office after you provide administration date/lot#.[2] **Phone support**: (800) 293-3881 for questions.[5] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Less than 10 minutes if complete (business hours).[1][3] - **Approval call**: Immediate to prescriber. - **Vaccine delivery**: Shipped free to prescriber's office. **Must use within 30 days** of approval or reapply. Quarterly replacements for multi-dose series.[2] - **Full series**: New form/approval **per dose** (e.g., dose 1, then dose 2 months later).[1][5] ## Reauthorization and Refills **Reauthorization required** for each dose. Submit new form before every administration. Track your series with your doctor.[1][2] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Fix and reapply**: Common issues: incomplete form, insurance found, income too high, no prescriber signature. Use checklist.[3] - **Other programs**: Check NeedyMeds, RxAssist, or state vaccine programs. For insured/low-income: Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program via CDC. - **Contact Merck**: Call (800) 293-3881 for appeal/hardship review. - **Free clinics**: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or local health departments may offer low-cost hep B vaccines. - **No biosimilars** for RECOMBIVAX HB listed.[6] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on Merck's program details as of latest available info. Eligibility isn't guaranteed; program can change. Not medical advice—consult your doctor. Merck verifies all info; falsifying disqualifies you. Vaccine must be prescribed medically necessary. For latest, visit merckhelps.com or call (800) 293-3881. (Word count: 1028)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026