Combination of hep. A & B
JENNIFER TUNG has written: 'EFFICACY OF COMBINED HEPATITIS A AND HEPATITIS B (TWINRIX) VACCINE COMPARED WITH HEPATITIS B VACCINE ALONE IN PROVIDING SEROPROTECTION VS. HEPATITIS B IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS'
Twinrix
V05.3. Need for Prophylactic immunization against Viral Hepatitis
The Twinrix vaccine is typically given in 3 doses. This is normal.
in Alberta what does it cost for 2 Twinrix shots
Twinrix, which protects against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, should ideally be administered at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel. This timing allows the body to build sufficient immunity against the viruses. However, vaccination can be given on a shorter notice if necessary, as some protection may still be afforded. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on specific travel plans.
The cost of Twinrix, a vaccine for hepatitis A and B, varies depending on factors such as location, healthcare provider, and whether you have insurance. In the United States, the price for the vaccine can range from $70 to $150 per dose, with a typical vaccination series consisting of three doses. It's advisable to check with local pharmacies or healthcare providers for the most accurate pricing and potential insurance coverage options.
You should be immunized against hepatitis for travel to Mexico. The easiest way to get this is with the twinrix vaccination. This does not guarantee that you cannot catch the virus, but is your best protection against hapatitis ABC. Twinrix is expensive, but the peace of mind in regards to health outweighs the financial offset. You can also check with your local community health office to check if your immunization record is current and what shots you will need for whatever region you plan to travel.
No
There are two forms of hepatitis B: Acute (self-clearing) or chronic. According to Wikipedia, "Acute hepatitis B infection does not usually require treatment because most adults clear the infection spontaneously." 1% of acute cases may require early antiviral treatment, for example if there disease is particularly aggressive, or if the patient is immunocompromised. There are currently no drugs which will clear a chronic hepatitis b infection, however drugs are available which slow the replication of the virus, hence reducing liver damage and improving quality of life. These are all "antiviral" drugs. These are frequently used in those with chronic hepatitis B. Another issue is that, even when a person appears to be "cured" of hepatitis B, the disease can be "reactivated" and occur again in the same person. However this is mainly an issue for immunocompromised patients. Hepatitis B is preventable by vaccination (usually a course of three injections, given over a year, but course length and timing of each dose is individualised according to the patients requirements). As a general answer to your question, no, there is no "cure" for hepatitis B, however it is "treatable". Please see related link for more in-depth information.
DefinitionThe hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a serious disease that damages the liver. The vaccine is one of the recommended childhood immunizations.Alternative NamesVaccine - hepatitis B; Immunization - hepatitis BInformationThe vaccine is made from inactivated whole virus of hepatitis B. The inactive virus stimulates your body to produce antibodies to fight the hepatitis B virus.WHO SHOULD GET THIS VACCINEThe hepatitis B vaccine is given to children as a series of three injections (shots).The first shot is given to infants before leaving the hospital. If the baby's mother carries the hepatitis B virus, the baby receives the first vaccine shortly after birth.The second shot is given between 1 and 2 months of age.The third shot is given at 6 months of age.For infants who do not receive the first shot until 4 to 8 weeks, the second shot is given at 4 months and the third at 6 to 16 months. In either instance, the second and third shots are given along with other routine childhood immunizations.Adolescents who have not been vaccinated should begin the hepatitis B vaccine series at the earliest possible date.Adults or children who have not already received the vaccine and should receive the vaccine if they meet any of the following criteria:Have end-stage kidney disease, chronic liver disease, or HIV infectionAre on dialysisWill be receiving an organ transplant, a bone marrow transplant, or chemotherapyHousehold contacts or sexual partners of persons known to be infected with hepatitis BPersons with multiple sexual partnersMen who have sex with other menPersons who use recreational, injectable drugsA vaccine for adults called Twinrix provides protection against both hepatitis A and B. It is given in 3 doses.RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTSMost infants who receive the hepatitis B vaccine have no side effects. Others may have minor problems, such as soreness and redness at the injection site or a mild fever. Serious problems are rare and are mainly due to allergic reactions to a component of the vaccine.CONSIDERATIONSIf the child is ill with something more serious than a cold, the hepatitis B vaccine may be delayed.If the child has a severe allergic reaction to baker's yeast, they should not receive this vaccine.If severe allergic reaction occurs after receiving the vaccine, no further hepatitis B vaccines should be given to the child.CALL YOUR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:You are not sure if your child should receive this vaccineModerate or serious side effects appear after receiving the vaccineYou have any questions or concernsReferencesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents--United States, 2008. Pediatrics. 2008 Jan;121(1):219-20.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule---United States, 2009. MMWR. January 9, 2009;57(53);Q1-Q4.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0 through 18 years---United States, 2009. MMWR. January 2, 2009;57(51&52);Q1-Q4.
DefinitionThe hepatitis A vaccine protects you against a type of liver infection called hepatitis A. The vaccine will not protect you from other types of hepatitis.Alternative NamesVaccine - hepatitis A; Immunization - hepatitis A; Havrix; VAQTAInformationThe vaccine, called Havrix or VAQTA, is made from inactivated whole virus of hepatitis A. The inactive virus stimulates your body to produce antibodies to fight the hepatitis A virus.The vaccine is given by a shot in your arm. You should be protected against the disease within 2 weeks after receiving the first dose. Two vaccinations are needed to make sure you are completely protected against the disease. After receiving the first vaccination, children and adults should have a booster vaccination in 6 to 12 months.A vaccine for adults called Twinrix provides protection against both hepatitis A and B. It is given in 3 doses.WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THIS VACCINEPeople who work or travel in areas with high rates of infection should be vaccinated. These areas include Africa, Asia (except Japan), the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.If you are traveling to these areas before you are fully immunized (fewer than 4 weeks after your first shot), you should receive a preventive dose of immunoglobulin (IG). If you are just a short-term traveler to these areas, you may wish to receive the immunoglobulin (IG) instead of the vaccine.The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends (but does not mandate) routine vaccination of all children older than age 1 with 2 doses of vaccine spaced 6 months apart.Other people who are at higher risk for hepatitis A include:People who use recreational, injectable drugsPeople who work with the hepatitis A virus in a laboratory or with primates that may be infected with the virusPeople who have chronic liver diseasePeople who receive clotting factor concentrate to treat hemophilia or other clotting disordersMilitary personnelHomosexual or bisexual menEmployees of child day-care centersPeople who care for patients living in long-term nursing homes and other facilitiesAn immunoglobulin (IG) shot helps protect people from becoming infected for a short period of time. When traveling to areas where hepatitis A is common, you may be given an IG shot if:You are traveling fewer than 4 weeks after your first hepatitis A immunization, since you may not be fully protectedYou will only be traveling to these areas for a short while and wish to receive the immunoglobulin (IG) instead of the vaccineWHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE THIS VACCINEIf you have had hepatitis A in the past, you do NOT need the vaccine. Once you have recovered from the disease, you are immune for life.Others who should NOT receive the vaccine include:People who are allergic to the components of the vaccineChildren less than 1 year oldPregnant or nursing mothersThose who are sick or have a fever (can delay receiving the vaccine until the illness goes away)SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKSThe most common side effect of the vaccine is pain at the injection site. Other rare, but possible, side effects include:Redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection siteHeadacheFeverFatigueMuscle achesNauseaLoss of appetiteCALL YOUR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:You develop rash, itching, hives, or difficulty breathing after receiving the vaccineYou develop any other symptomsYou have other questions or concernsReferencesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents--United States, 2008. Pediatrics. 2008;121(1):219-220.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule---United States, 2009. MMWR. January 9, 2009;57(53);Q1-Q4.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0 through 18 years---United States, 2009. MMWR. January 2, 2009;57(51&52);Q1-Q4.