WHAT TWINRIX ADULT IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR?

Twinrix Adult is a vaccine used in adults and adolescents 16 years of age and above to prevent two diseases: hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against these diseases.

  • Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is an infectious disease, which can affect the liver.  This disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus.  The hepatitis A virus can be passed from person to person in food and drink, or by swimming in water contaminated by sewage. Symptoms of hepatitis A begin 3 to 6 weeks after coming into contact with the virus.  These consist of nausea (feeling sick), fever and aches and pains.  After a few days the whites of eyes and skin may become yellowish (jaundice).  The severity and type of symptoms can vary.  Young children may not develop jaundice.  Most people recover completely but the illness is usually severe enough to keep people ill for about a month.
  • Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus.  It causes the liver to become swollen (inflamed).  The virus is found in body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva (spit) of infected people.

Vaccination is the best way to protect against these diseases. None of the components in the vaccine are infectious.