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Hepatitis A and B (HABV) vaccine Twinrix

Learn about the Twinrix vaccine, effectiveness, side effects, and safety.

Diseases it protects from

Who should get this vaccine

You may be able to get this vaccine for free if:

  • You have liver problems or certain health problems, such as some bleeding disorders.
  • You are at higher risk for hepatitis A and B because of your lifestyle, such as you have a substance use problem.

Ask a public health nurse to find out if you can get the Twinrix vaccine for free. You may need a blood test to check if you’re already protected.

This vaccine might be recommended for you if you travel to an area with a high risk of hepatitis A and B. If you get the vaccine because of travel, it’s not free. If you can’t get the vaccine for free, check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost. Learn more about vaccines for travel.

Who should not get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

  • You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine.
  • You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If you have allergies or have had a side effect from this vaccine in the past, check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

Most people need 3 doses, which are given over 6 months.

Other vaccines that protect against the same disease

  • Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine protects against hepatitis B virus. Grade 6 students can get this vaccine as part of the school immunization program. Most people born in 1981 or later who went to school in Alberta have had this vaccine.
  • DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B. As part of the routine immunization schedule, babies get this vaccine starting at age 2 months.
  • Hepatitis A (HAV) vaccine protects against hepatitis A virus. People who travel often get this vaccine.
  • Vivaxim vaccine protects against hepatitis A and typhoid infection. People who are travelling to areas where there is risk of hepatitis A and typhoid may get this vaccine.

If you’ve already had hepatitis A or B vaccines, you don’t need the Twinrix vaccine. Check with a public health nurse or your healthcare provider if you aren’t sure if you’ve already had hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccines.

Get the vaccine

If you can get this vaccine for free, contact your local public health or community health centre. If you want the vaccine and need to pay for it, contact a travel health clinic or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Current as of: June 30, 2023
Author: Provincial Immunization Program, Alberta Health Services
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.