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Risks of Hepatitis B Immunization

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to acute and chronic conditions; in its advanced stages, chronic HBV can cause liver damage including cirrhosis as well as death. Vaccination against HBV can give an inoculated person immunity in the long term, perhaps lasting as long as life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); however, some people may experience serious allergic reactions to elements of the vaccine. Other serious risks have been suggested but, so far, not demonstrated.

  1. Vaccine Safety

    • The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) advise that vaccination against HBV is considered to be very safe and that severe reactions not caused by allergy have not yet been demonstrated. The CDC reports that risk of a serious reaction, including death, is possible but very small.

    Allergy

    • People who are allergic to any element of the HBV vaccine should not be immunized. A common allergen in the vaccine is baker's yeast. The CDC recommends that people tell their doctors about known serious allergies before being immunized. Anyone who had a serious reaction to one of the injections that is part of the vaccine program should not finish the series, according to the CDC.

    Common Reactions

    • The most common side effect of vaccination against HBV is injection site reaction, soreness at the site where the shot was administered. According to the CDC, up to one out of four people may experience this complication. Another complication is a mild fever, perhaps affecting one out of every 15 immunized people, according to the CDC.

    Less Common Reactions

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, the less common risks of vaccination against HBV include dizziness, a high fever, serious irritation at the site of injection, headache and fatigue. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting with a doctor if these side effects persist.

    Rare Reactions

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that rare reactions to vaccination against HBV include aches and pains, back pain, neck or shoulder stiffness, chills, stomach upset, malaise, sweating, sore throat, runny nose, itching, loss of appetite, skin redness, swollen lymph glands, insomnia and welts. A physician should be consulted about these or other suspected side effects.

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