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Twinrix Vaccine

By Mark Cichocki, R.N., About.com

Updated: April 23, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

Classification:


Combination vaccine (Hepatitis A & B)

Form:


Intermuscular injection

Who should be vaccinated?:


  • Men who have sex with men
  • People infected with HIV
  • People traveling to areas with a high occurance of Hepatitis A or B
  • Indicated for persons 18 years of age or older

Instructions:


Twinrix is given in a series of three doses
  • the first dose on day 0
  • another dose 1 month later
  • the third dose 5 months after that.

Important Note! - All three doses must be given within 6 months.

Side effects:


  • soreness at the injection site
  • headache
  • fatigue

Contraindications:


The Twinrix vaccine is contraindicated in people with:
  • known hypersensitivity to neomycin
  • known hypersensitivity to yeast

Special Note:


Depending on immune system strength, Twinrix may not illicit an antibody response. Talk with your doctor for more information about alternative dosing for thos people with weak immune systems.

Double Dose Hepatitis Vaccination

For More Information:


For more information on the Twinrix vaccine try About.com's Drug Finder.

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