• Vaccine Name: Twinrix
• Target Pathogen: Hepatitis B virus
• Target Disease: Hepatitis B
• Product Name: Hepatitis A Inactivated & Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine
• Tradename: Twinrix
• Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
• Vaccine Ontology ID: VO_0000113
• CDC CVX code: 104
• Type: Inactivated or "killed" vaccine
• Status: Licensed
• Location Licensed: USA (License #1617), Canada
• Host Species for Licensed Use: Human
• Allergen: Neomycin, latex
• Preparation: TWINRIX is a sterile suspension of inactivated hepatitis A virus (strain HM175) propagated in MRC-5 cells, and combined with purified surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus.
• Immunization Route: Intramuscular injection (i.m.)
• Storage: TWINRIX should be refrigerated between 2° and 8° C (36° and 46° F). Do not freeze.
• Approved Age for Licensed Use: Ages 18 and older
• Contraindication: TWINRIX should not be administered to anyone with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including yeast and neomycin and in patients with previous hypersensitivity to TWINRIX or monovalent hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccines (FDA: TWINRIX).

Human Response

• Immune Response: In clinical trials, it has been found that combining the hepatitis A antigen with the hepatitis B surface antigen in TWINRIX resulted in comparable anti-HAV or anti-HBsAg titers, relative to vaccination with the individual monovalent vaccines or the concomitant administration of each vaccine in opposite arms (FDA: TWINRIX).
• Side Effects: Side effects of immunization included: redness, itching and swelling of the injection site, headache and fatigue. Severe adverse effects were limited and resolved in a timely matter.