Definition
Twinrix® is a vaccine against the two infectious diseases Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by various viruses. Hepatitis A is a form that is particularly prevalent in subtropical and tropical regions, but nevertheless also accounts for around a quarter of all liver inflammation in Europe.
It is transmitted faecal-orally, for example through contaminated water and/or food. In children, hepatitis A infections often proceed without symptoms, and the severity of the infection increases with age. Then fever, skin rash, jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea occur.
There is no chronic course of this disease. Hepatitis B infection, which is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse or needlestick injuries, as well as through transmission from the mother to the unborn child, is divided into an acute and a chronic course. The symptoms are similar to the above description of a hepatitis A infection. Chronic hepatitis B disease leads to cirrhosis of the liver in a fifth of cases.
Active ingredient
The vaccines contained in Twinrix® are dead vaccines. They therefore contain dead pathogens that are no longer capable of reproduction. In the case of the Hepatitis A component, one speaks of a whole-particle vaccine, i.e. whole parts of the dead virus are administered.
The component of Hepatitis B is a split vaccine, i.e. inactive particles of the pathogen are administered. These components evoke an immune response of the body, which should generate a permanent protection. The active ingredient as a dead vaccine is usually very well tolerated and the components contained are not infectious.
Side effects
As Twinrix® is a dead vaccine, it is generally better tolerated than live vaccines. Should side effects occur, they usually become apparent within 72 hours after vaccination. As very common, i.e. in one in 10 cases, headache, pain and redness at the injection site or dullness may occur.
Diarrhea, nausea or general discomfort may also occur in up to one in 10 cases. In addition, flu-like symptoms may occur occasionally, i.e. in up to one in 100 applications. If the side effects last longer than a few days and affect the vaccinated person considerably, a doctor should be consulted.
