Hepatyrix

Hepatyrix is a combination vaccine used to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid fever. It contains inactivated hepatitis A virus (HM175 strain) and Vi polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi (Ty2 strain)[1][3][9]. The vaccine works by causing the body to produce antibodies against these diseases[3]. ## Composition and Formulation Hepatyrix contains: - Hepatitis A virus (HM175 strain, inactivated) 1440 ELISA Units - Vi polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi (Ty2 strain) 25 micrograms - Adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide, hydrated 0.5 milligrams Al3+[1] The vaccine is presented as a cloudy white suspension in a pre-filled syringe (type I glass) with a plunger stopper (butyl rubber)[2][7]. ## Administration and Dosage Hepatyrix is administered as: - A single 1ml dose via intramuscular injection, preferably into the deltoid muscle - For individuals with bleeding disorders, it can be given by deep subcutaneous injection - The vaccine should preferably be given at least two weeks prior to risk of exposure to typhoid and hepatitis A[7] ## Efficacy and Protection In clinical studies involving 462 subjects aged 15-50 years, seropositivity rates for anti-HAV and anti-Vi antibodies were 89.8% and 97.5% respectively two weeks after primary immunization[1]. The vaccine protects only against typhoid fever caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi and does not confer protection against paratyphoid fever or infections with other serotypes[7]. ## Development and Availability Hepatyrix was developed by SmithKline Beecham Biologicals (now GlaxoSmithKline)[5]. It was launched in the United Kingdom in July 1999[5]. The vaccine is distributed under various brand names in the European Union, with alternatives including ViVaxim and ViATIM from Sanofi Pasteur[9]. ## Side Effects Like all vaccines, Hepatyrix may cause side effects in some people. Reported side effects include: - Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site - Headache, fever, and fatigue - In rare cases, more severe reactions[3] Hepatyrix should not be given to individuals who have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients, or to those who have had allergic reactions to other hepatitis A vaccines[3].

Brand names

Hepatyrix

Other names

hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinecombined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinecombo hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine