Twinrix Paediatric Vaccine

How does it work?

This vaccine contains a combination of inactivated hepatitis A virus and an extract of hepatitis B virus. 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 and the hepatitis B viruses. This vaccine is given as a course of three injections; the second dose one month after the first, followed by a third dose after a further six months. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime, while others have to be updated after a few years. This vaccine provides immunity against hepatitis A for 10 years and hepatitis B for 5 years. A 'booster' injection can be given 5 years after the first course to provide continued immunity. Alternatively, 'booster' vaccines can be given separately; hepatitis B after 5 years and a hepatitis A after 10 years. Hepatitis A and B are not given as routine vaccinations. They are only given to people who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis A or B, for example health care workers who have direct contact with blood and travellers to high risk areas. This combination vaccine is given by intramuscular injection.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B

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.

Individuals with kidney failure who are receiving haemodialysis may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine. Additional doses of vaccine may be required.

Not to be used in

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

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Fatigue

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Cold or flu-like symptoms

Decreased appetite

Fever (pyrexia)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Redness around injection site

Skin reactions such as rash and itch

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.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is possible that an adequate response may not be achieved in patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment.

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