You've probably heard the word 'hepatitis'. Simply put, it's a condition in which the liver becomes swollen or inflamed. There are many causes, but viral infections are the main ones. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are two of those viruses. Today, we're talking about a special vaccine that can protect you from both of these diseases. This is like killing two birds with one stone.
What is this combined hepatitis A and B vaccine?
Simply put, this is a vaccine that builds your body's immunity against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses. You may sometimes see it under the brand name ``Twinrix''.
One of the things that many people are afraid of is, "Will I get sick from the vaccine?" Not at all. This vaccine does not contain live viruses. Instead, it contains harmless parts of the virus. When these enter the body, your immune system recognizes them as "the enemy" and makes antibodies to fight them. This means that if the real hepatitis A or B virus comes into your body later, your body is already prepared to fight it off. So you will never get hepatitis from this vaccine.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Although this vaccine is safe for most people, there are some special circumstances that require caution. So, talk honestly with your doctor about these issues.
- Do you have a bleeding disorder? (e.g., hemophilia). If so, it is important to inform the doctor in advance, as excessive bleeding may occur at the injection site.
- Do you currently have a fever or other infection? A mild cold is fine. However, if you have a high fever, your doctor may decide to postpone the vaccination for a few days.
- Do you have any heart disease? If you have a history of heart disease, please tell us about it.
- Do you have a weakened immune system? If your immune system is weakened by diseases such as cancer, HIV, or certain medications (e.g. steroids), the vaccine may be less effective.
- Do you have any allergies? In particular, if you have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine in the past, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, such as neomycin, yeast, or thimerosal , you should definitely tell your doctor about this. Also, tell your doctor about any allergies you have to other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- Are you pregnant? Or are you trying to get pregnant?
- Are you a breastfeeding mother?
Knowing all this, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether or not it is appropriate to give you this vaccine.
How is the vaccine given? What to do if you miss a vaccination?
This is usually an injection into a muscle in your upper arm. It is given by a doctor or a trained nurse. It is done in a clinic or hospital.
The most important thing is that to get full protection from this vaccine, all the prescribed doses must be received at the prescribed intervals. A full course of vaccination, usually consisting of 3 or 4 doses, must be completed.
Imagine you missed your next dose. Don't panic. Call your doctor as soon as possible and make an appointment for the next one. Don't give up completely just because you missed one dose. The most important thing is to complete the course.
What if there is a drug overdose?
This is given in a clinic, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed on the vaccine, go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medicines that may interact with this vaccine
It is very important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications for any other medical condition, as some medications may affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. Especially:
- Immunosuppressant drugs: Drugs such as `(adalimumab)` and `(infliximab)`, which are used for diseases such as arthritis.
- Cancer treatment (Chemotherapy).
- Steroid-type medications: Medications like `(prednisone)` or `(cortisone)`.
These medications work by suppressing the body's immune system. This can reduce the body's ability to respond to the vaccine and produce the necessary antibodies. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Possible side effects after receiving the vaccine
Like any vaccine, this one can cause minor side effects. Most of these are not serious and will subside in a day or two. However, there are some things we need to be aware of.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Serious Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness. |
| Nervous system changes | Confusion, restlessness, numbness in the limbs, pain, seizures. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| 👍 Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| At the injection site | Pain, redness, swelling, or slight itching. |
| General characteristics of the body | Fatigue, headache, body aches, fever, nausea, stomach aches, loss of appetite. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual in addition to these, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- The hepatitis A and B combined vaccine is a very important vaccine that provides protection against two dangerous viruses that damage the liver.
- Because this vaccine does not contain live viruses, the vaccine will not cause you to get the disease.
- To receive full protection from the vaccine, it is essential to receive the full number of doses recommended by the doctor at the scheduled time .
- Before getting the vaccine, clearly inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.
- It is normal to experience some mild pain, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site. However, if you experience any serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately .
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