Please read th is informat ion before you get the Twinrix Vaccine!
What Is Twinrix vaccine?
Twinrix is a combination vaccine given to provide immunity or protection against Hepatitis and B. Hepatitis & B are viral infections involving the liver but they are transmitted very differently. The fecal-oral route transmits Hepatitis while Hepatitis B is transmitted by blood or blood products or through other bodily fluids such as saliva and semen.
What are the benefits of Twinrix vaccine?
Vaccination provides long-term immunity against Hepatitis & B viruses after completion of the three injection series. If hepatitis a & B vaccines were given separately it would take five injections at an increased cost to provide the same immunity.
What are the side effects from the Twinrix vaccine?
Adverse reactions from Twinrix vaccine are similar to those observed from individual Hepatitis or B vaccines. Most adverse events are considered to be mild and self-limiting and do not last more than 48 hours. Most common is soreness or pain at the injection site. Other side effects include headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, fever and vomiting.
When should you get Twinrix vaccine?
- Those not previously immunized against either Hepatitis or B.
- Before becoming sexually active
- Before travel to any high risk area
- Those at increased risk due to employment.
- Users of illicit injectable drugs.
- Patients with Chronic liver disease.
- Those frequently receiving blood products.
When should Twinrix vaccine be delayed?
Delay receiving vaccine if you are ill with anything more serious than a cold. Persons who are immunosuppressed or receiving immunosuppressive therapy may not achieve expected immune response.
What should you do if there is a serious reaction?
Get to a health facility promptly. Write down what happened, the date and time it happened.
How is the vaccine given?
The recommended primary immunization series is three doses of 1.0 milliliter each, given intramuscularly at 0, 1 and 6 months.
When should Twinrix vaccine not be given?
Twinrix vaccine should not be given if you have an allergy to any component of this vaccine. Anyone experiencing a reaction
Contact a Health Services Triage Nurse at
(603) 862-2856
If Health Services is closed, speak to a Nurse at the Emergency Room at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
(603) 862-1530
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