Hepatyrix

How does it work?

This vaccine contains a combination of inactivated hepatitis A virus and an extract of the bacteria which cause typhoid. It stimulates the body's immune response without causing the two diseases. Many infectious diseases occur only once in a lifetime. This is because the body produces antibodies in response to the disease. These remain in the body and repel any future attack with the same organisms. The duration of this immunity varies but can last a lifetime. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. They provide long-lasting active immunity. The organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody and therefore a different vaccine must be used for each disease. This combination vaccine is used to immunise against infection caused by the hepatitis A virus and the typhoid bacteria. Combining the two vaccines in one product removes the need to give two injections. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime, while others have to be updated after a few years. The hepatitis A vaccine requires a 'booster' injection approximately 6-12 months after the first vaccination to provide immunity for ten years. Typhoid vaccine provides immunity for about three years. For individuals who remain at risk of typhoid, a single "booster" injection every three years is required. Hepatitis A and typhoid are not given as routine vaccinations. They are only given to people who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis A or typhoid, for example travellers to high risk areas. This combination vaccine is given by intramuscular injection. It is recommended that the vaccine is given one month prior to risk of exposure to hepatitis A and at least two weeks prior to risk of exposure to typhoid.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid

Warning!

Individuals who have a suppressed immune system, for example due to disease such as HIV infection, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine and additional doses may be required.

Use with caution in

Allergy to the antibiotic neomycin

Not to be used in

Children less than 15 years of age

Injection into a vein (intravenous injection)

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Sudden severe feverish illness

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be used with caution, and only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Itching (pruritus)

Loss of appetite

Fever (pyrexia)

Nausea and vomiting

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Redness around injection site

A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)

Pain and swelling at site of injection

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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