WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THE VACCINE

Travelers who visit areas that have a higher rate of hepatitis B infection than in the United States should consider vaccination if they are in one of the following groups: those staying for 6 months or longer (especially if they will be staying in rural areas, having daily physical contact with local populations, or may be receiving medical, dental or similar treatment in local facilities), those who anticipate direct contact with blood or sexual contact with residents, and health care providers traveling for purposes of work.

WHO SHOULD NOT USE THE VACCINE

As a general rule, some people should not receive Hepatitis B vaccine unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Persons with hypersensitivity to yeast and those who have experienced severe reactions to prior doses should not receive additional immunization.

Twinrix® should not be given to people who have a history of hypersensitivity to neomycin, yeast, aluminum, 2-phenoxyethanol, or formalin.

One hepatitis B vaccine (the adult formulation of RECOMBIVAX HB®) contains a preservative called thimerosal, which contains a very small amount of mercury. Thimerosal is no longer used in any of the pediatric hepatitis B vaccines licensed in the United States. If you know from experience that you are allergic to mercury or thimerosal, be sure to mention this to your doctor before receiving this vaccine. The fact that you have this allergy does not necessarily mean that you cannot be vaccinated (the vast majority of persons with mercury or thimerosal allergies experience only localized reactions – like swelling or rash – at the site of the shot). However, your doctor may want to take some additional precautions when vaccinating you and/or may want to give you some special instructions before you leave the office.