Hepatitis B Vaccine Dangers

The vaccine used to protect against the Hepatitis B virus is hepatitis B recombinant (intramuscular route). No products or substances of human origin makeup the vaccine. It enlists your body to create its own protection, in the form of antibodies, against the virus.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Some people who contract hepatitis B become only mildly ill for a few weeks, but others have chronic cases that can eventually cause liver cancer or other serious liver diseases.

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected individual. In most cases, people who contract hepatitis B make a complete recovery. The best way to prevent against contracting the illness it to receive the hepatitis B vaccine, which is included in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) routine vaccination schedule.

Vaccination Schedule

• The CDC recommends all children and adolescents and unvaccinated adults receive the hepatitis B vaccine. In most cases, the vaccine includes three separate shots given over six months. Newborn babies typically receive their immunizations in the first year of life. The CDC also recommends that adolescents and adults who have not previously been vaccinated receive the inoculations.

Warnings

• Although the hepatitis B inoculation is appropriate for the majority of the population, it is not safe for all individuals. People who are allergic to baker's yeast should not be immunized because it is a component of the vaccine. Additionally, people who have had a severe adverse reaction to a previous dose should not receive further immunizations. Also, people who are ill should delay their inoculations until they are feeling better.

Side Effects

• According to the CDC, about 25 percent of people who receive the vaccine have reported experiencing some mild soreness at the injection site. Additionally, about one in 15 people will experience a fever of greater than 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit as a side effect of the vaccine.

Severe Reactions

• Severe reactions to the hepatitis B vaccine are very rare, according to the CDC. Signs of a severe reaction include a high fever or unusual behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, wheezing, paleness and a rapid heartbeat. Any severe reactions should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Adverse Reaction Reporting

• In the event you or someone you know experiences an adverse reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine, you should report it to your doctor. Be sure to tell your doctor the reaction you experienced, when you experienced it and when you received the vaccination. Also be sure to ask your doctor to report it to the health department by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System form. You can also file the form yourself by visiting www.vaers.hhs.gov or calling [phone].