Diseases it protects from

• hepatitis A
• hepatitis B

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.

How well it works

After you get 3 doses as recommended, protection is about:

• 95% to 100% for hepatitis A
• 95% to 100% for hepatitis B

Safety

Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.

Side effects

There can be side effects from the Twinrix vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:

• redness, swelling, or feeling sore where you had the needle
• feeling tired or unwell, or getting upset easily
• headache
• fever
• not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat (poor appetite)
• feeling sick to your stomach, vomiting, or loose stool (diarrhea)

At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.

It's important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.

It’s rare to have a serious side effect. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.

How to manage side effects

• To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
• There is medicine to help with fever or pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you aren’t sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
• Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you’ve been told to do this, call your doctor even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.

There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.