A review of the efficacy, immunogenicity and tolerability of a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.
Hepatitis A and B are two of the most common vaccine-preventable liver diseases and continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with their severity related to the individual's age upon initial infection. Twinrix (GlaxoSmithKline), a combined vaccine providing protection against both hepatitis A and B, has been available in more than 72 countries worldwide since 1997. This paper provides a critical review of clinical data on the efficacy, immunogenicity and tolerability of the combined vaccine, with particular focus on the clinical benefits of dual vaccination.
Van Damme
Pierre
P
Unit of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, WHO Collaborating Centre for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis, University of Antwerp, Campus 3 Eiken, Wilrijk, Belgium. pierre.vandamme@ua.ac.be
Van Herck
Koen
K
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D017778:Vaccines, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D017778:Vaccines, Combined; C433226:twinrix