Travel vaccination

Hepatitis A & B Combined Vaccination (Twinrix)

Twinrix is a combined vaccine that protects against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B in a single course. It is a convenient option for travellers who may be at risk of both infections.

£70 per dose

£70 per dose — 3 dose course

Who it is for

Travellers who may be at risk of both hepatitis A and hepatitis B, particularly those visiting areas where the infections are common or planning longer stays or higher-risk activities.

Number of doses

A course of three doses; an accelerated schedule with a later booster may be possible for those travelling sooner.

When to have it

Ideally started several weeks before travel so the doses can be given on schedule.

How long protection lasts

Long-term protection after the completed course; a hepatitis A booster may be advised after several years for continued cover.

How it is given

By injection into the upper arm.

Price

£70 per dose

Quick answer

Twinrix is a combined vaccine that protects against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B in one three-dose course. It is a convenient option for travellers who may be at risk of both liver infections, particularly when visiting parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. The Twinrix combined vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.

About Hepatitis A & B Combined Vaccination (Twinrix)

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver. Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food and water, while hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids, including through medical or dental procedures, tattoos and piercings, or sexual contact.

The combined Twinrix vaccine offers protection against both viruses in one course, making it a practical choice for travellers who want cover against each infection without separate appointments for two different vaccines.

Twinrix is given as a course of three doses over several months, with an accelerated schedule sometimes available for those travelling sooner. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination, planned activities and individual risk factors to advise whether the combined vaccine is suitable for you.

Timing

Start several weeks before travel

The standard course is given over six months, so it is best started well in advance, though an accelerated schedule may be possible for those travelling at shorter notice.

Effectiveness

High level of protection

Completing the full course provides a strong protective immune response against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B in the large majority of people.

Duration

Long-term protection

A completed course provides long-lasting protection against both infections, and a booster for hepatitis A may be advised after several years for continued cover.

Signs & symptoms

  • Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell
  • Fever and aching muscles or joints
  • Loss of appetite, nausea or feeling sick
  • Tummy pain, particularly in the upper right area
  • Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark urine and pale stools

Who should consider this vaccine?

The combined hepatitis A and B vaccine may be advised for travellers visiting areas where both infections are common, particularly those staying for longer periods or planning activities that increase exposure risk. It is a convenient single course for those who would otherwise need protection against both viruses. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination and risk before recommending it.

High Risk Areas

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are common across many parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and parts of eastern Europe. The risk is generally higher in areas with limited sanitation or healthcare infrastructure.

Traveller Risk Factors

Those most at risk include travellers to areas with poorer sanitation, people staying for extended periods, those visiting friends and relatives, and anyone who may require medical or dental care, undergo procedures such as tattoos or piercings, or have new sexual contacts while abroad.

Who should have this vaccine

The combined hepatitis A and B vaccine may be advised for travellers who could be exposed to either infection during their trip. Hepatitis A is mainly spread through contaminated food and water, while hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. A combined course is a convenient way to obtain protection against both viruses without arranging separate appointments. Your travel health nurse will assess your destination, length of stay, planned activities and personal risk factors before recommending it.

  • Travellers to areas of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and parts of eastern Europe where both infections are common
  • Those staying for longer periods or visiting friends and relatives
  • People who may require medical or dental care while abroad
  • Anyone who may have procedures such as tattoos or piercings, or new sexual contacts, during travel

The vaccination course

Twinrix is given as a course of three doses by injection into the upper arm. The standard schedule is spread over six months, so it is best started well in advance of travel. An accelerated schedule may be possible for those travelling at shorter notice, with a further booster dose given later to ensure lasting protection. Your travel health nurse will agree the most suitable schedule based on your travel dates.

  • Three doses make up the standard primary course
  • The standard schedule runs over approximately six months
  • An accelerated schedule with a later booster may suit those travelling sooner
  • Completing the full course gives the best protection against both infections

How long does protection last

Completing the full course provides a strong protective immune response against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B in the large majority of people, with long-lasting cover. A booster dose for hepatitis A may be advised after several years for continued protection, and your travel health nurse can advise on whether further doses are needed for future trips.

  • A completed course offers long-term protection against both viruses
  • A hepatitis A booster may be advised after several years
  • Protection is best maintained by completing every dose in the course
  • Your travel health nurse can review your needs before future travel

Possible side effects

Most side effects from the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine are mild and settle within a day or two. Serious reactions are rare. If you feel unwell after vaccination or have any concerns, contact your travel health nurse or GP. Your nurse will discuss any individual considerations with you before vaccination.

  • Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Headache or tiredness
  • Mild fever or aching muscles
  • Feeling generally unwell or off your food

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by Crewe Travel Clinic clinical team · Last reviewed 13 June 2026

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