What Is Twinrix?
Twinrix is a combined vaccine that covers both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B in one shot. It contains inactivated Hepatitis A virus and the Hepatitis B surface antigen.
It's recommended for:
- Travellers heading to areas where Hep A is common.
- People at higher risk of Hep B through occupation or lifestyle factors.
- Anyone with chronic liver disease.
- Healthcare workers and people living in close quarters like dormitories or military barracks.
The standard schedule is three doses: one at day zero, one at one month, and one at six months. Following the schedule is what gives you full protection. If your timing slips, your provider can usually work out an adjusted plan.
Why Get Vaccinated
About 250,000 Canadians are living with chronic Hepatitis B. Hep A cases still pop up, especially in communities with lower vaccination rates.
Hep A usually clears on its own, but it can cause weeks of debilitating illness and sometimes hospitalisation. Hep B is more serious. It can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer years later.
Hep A spreads through contaminated food and water, which is why travel raises the risk. Hep B spreads through blood and body fluids, so healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and anyone sharing needles are at higher risk.
Where to Get Twinrix
Clinics
Twinrix is widely available across Canada:
- Community health clinics often offer it as part of preventive care services.
- Travel clinics carry it routinely and can also advise on other vaccines you might need based on your destination.
- Public health units run immunization programs and outreach in many communities.
Your provincial health department's website is usually the best place to find a clinic near you.
Pharmacies
Major chains including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and London Drugs offer Twinrix at many locations. You can get your prescription for the vaccine online. Pharmacies are usually the most convenient option thanks to extended hours and walk-in or same-day appointments.
Call ahead to confirm they have stock and to book a time.
What to Expect at the Appointment
Check-in: You'll fill out a quick consent form when you arrive.
Health history review: The provider will ask about allergies, current health, and any prior vaccine reactions. This is your chance to raise any concerns.
The injection: Twinrix is an intramuscular shot, usually in the upper arm. It takes about a minute.
After the shot: Mild side effects are normal. Expect possible soreness at the injection site, some fatigue, a headache, or a low-grade fever for a day or two. Severe reactions (trouble breathing, significant swelling) are rare and need urgent medical attention.
Follow-up doses: Twinrix is a three-dose series. Book your second dose for one month later and the third for six months after the first. Pharmacies will usually send reminders.
What Twinrix Costs in Canada
Price varies by pharmacy and province. Expect to pay roughly CAD $80 to $160 per dose at community clinics and most pharmacies. For three doses, that's $240 to $480 total out of pocket.
If you have private health insurance through work or school, check your plan. Many extended health plans cover Twinrix in full or in part.
Some provinces have publicly funded programs for high-risk groups (newborns, healthcare workers, certain occupations). Eligibility varies by province, so check your provincial health website.
Additional Resources
Federal: Health Canada's immunization page has up-to-date guidance on Hep A and B.
Provincial: Each provincial ministry of health publishes information on local programs and which vaccines are publicly funded.
Records: Keep a copy of your vaccination history. Some provinces offer digital records through apps like Health Gateway (BC) or ImmunizeON (Ontario).
Bottom Line
Twinrix is a straightforward way to cover both Hep A and Hep B in a single series. If you're planning international travel, work in healthcare, or have any of the other risk factors above, it's worth the visit. Pharmacies are usually the easiest place to start.
FAQ
- What is Twinrix?
A combined vaccine that covers both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B in one series. - How many doses do I need?
Three: one at day zero, one at month one, one at month six. - Is it safe for everyone?
It's safe for most people from age 1 up. Anyone with a known allergy to a vaccine component, or with a serious immune problem, should check with their provider first. - What are the side effects?
Mostly soreness at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, or headache. Serious reactions are rare. - Can I get Twinrix if I've already had Hep A or Hep B vaccine separately?
Yes. It will add coverage against the virus you weren't vaccinated for. - How do I find a clinic or pharmacy near me?
Major pharmacy chains (Shoppers, Rexall, London Drugs) have store locators on their websites. Local public health unit websites also list providers. - What if I miss a dose?
Call your provider. You usually don't need to restart the series; you just catch up. - Is Twinrix covered by insurance in Canada?
Many private extended health plans cover it. Some provinces fund it for high-risk groups. Check both. - What other travel vaccines should I consider?
Depends on your destination. Typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis are common ones. A travel clinic can recommend a list.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal health concerns.