Hepatyrix

Hepatyrix is a vaccine used to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid fever. It is a combination vaccine that contains inactivated hepatitis A virus and the purified Vi polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi, the bacterium that causes typhoid fever.

Composition

Hepatyrix is composed of two main components: the inactivated Hepatitis A virus and the purified Vi polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi. The Hepatitis A component is produced by growing the virus in human MRC-5 cells, a type of cell culture, and then inactivating it with formalin. The Vi polysaccharide is extracted from Salmonella typhi bacteria grown in a medium containing yeast extract, casamino acids, and dextrose.

Usage

Hepatyrix is used to immunize individuals aged two years and older against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. It is particularly recommended for those traveling to areas where these diseases are prevalent. The vaccine is administered as a single dose by intramuscular injection.

Efficacy

Studies have shown that Hepatyrix is highly effective in preventing both hepatitis A and typhoid fever. The vaccine induces a strong immune response that provides long-lasting protection against these diseases.

Side Effects

Like all vaccines, Hepatyrix can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects include pain and redness at the injection site, headache, and fatigue. Rare side effects can include fever, nausea, and rash.

See Also

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid fever
• Vaccine
• Salmonella typhi
• MRC-5