Hepatitis a and hepatitis b vaccine (Intramuscular)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 14, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Twinrix
In Canada
- Twinrix Adult
- Twinrix Junior
Available Dosage Forms:
- Suspension
Therapeutic Class: Vaccine
Uses for hepatitis a and hepatitis b vaccine
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by the hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.
Hepatitis A is a serious disease of the liver that can cause death. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), and is spread most often through infected food or water. Hepatitis A may also be spread by close person-to-person contact with infected persons (such as between persons living in the same household). Although some infected persons do not appear to be sick, they are still able to spread the virus to others.
Hepatitis A is less common in the U.S. and other areas of the world that have a higher level of sanitation and good water and sewage (waste) systems. However, it is a significant health problem in parts of the world that do not have such systems. If you are traveling to certain countries or remote (out-of-the-way) areas, hepatitis A vaccine will help protect you from hepatitis A disease.
Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), and is spread by contact with body fluids, such as blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluids; by needle sticks or sharing needles; or from mother to child.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is recommended for all persons 18 years of age or older who are at risk from infection from their jobs or some behaviors, or from traveling to the following parts of the world:
- Africa.
- Central and South America.
- Eastern and Southern Europe.
- South and Southeast Asia (except Japan).
- The Caribbean.
- The Middle East.
- The former Soviet Union
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combination vaccine is also recommended for:
- Military personnel.
- Persons living in or moving to areas that have a high rate of HAV infection and who are at a high risk of HBV infection.
- Persons engaging in high-risk sexual activity, such as homosexual and bisexual males.
- Persons who use illegal injection drugs.
- Persons at risk through their work, such as laboratory workers who handle live hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus, police, and those who give first aid or medical help, and workers who come in contact with stool or sewage.
- People who work in child daycare centers and correctional facilities, residents of drug and alcohol treatment centers, and patients and staff in hemodialysis units.
- People who are at increased risk for HBV infection and who are in close contact with patients that have hepatitis A or B.
- Persons with hemophilia.
- Persons with chronic liver disease.
This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of a doctor.
Before using hepatitis a and hepatitis b vaccine
In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:
