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Hepatitis B Vaccine Side Effects

Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver that can become a chronic illness causing cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Signs of an acute hepatitis B infection include jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue and stomach, joint and muscle pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.25 million people have a chronic hepatitis B infection. To prevent the spread of hepatitis B, the CDC recommends children be given the first dose of a hepatitis B vaccine at birth and then complete the vaccine series between the ages of 6 and 18 months. Children not vaccinated at birth should also receive the vaccine, as should adults at risk for a hepatitis B infection.

  1. Injection Site

    • About 25 percent of people who receive the hepatitis B vaccine will experience soreness or mild pain as a side effect of the injection, according to the CDC. This is not cause for concern and will usually dissipate in a day or two.

    Fever

    • One in 15 people receiving the hepatitis B vaccine will develop a fever of 99.9 degrees F or higher as a side effect of the injection, according to the CDC. The fever will usually come down within a day or two and can be treated with fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

    Severe Reactions

    • A severe reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine is extremely rare, occurring in approximately one in 1.1 million administered doses. Signs of a severe reaction include a high fever and unusual behavior changes. If you experience a severe reaction, contact your doctor immediately and seek medical attention.

    Allergic Reactions

    • As with all medications and vaccines, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction to a component of the hepatitis B vaccine. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat and swelling of the face, mouth, throat and lips. Because people who have a severe allergic reaction are at risk of going into shock, immediate medical attention is necessary.

    Warnings

    • Some people should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine because of the risk of developing serious or life-threatening reactions. For example, people who are allergic to baker's yeast should not receive the immunization because yeast is a component of the vaccine. Also, people who have had a severe or adverse reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine should not receive further doses. People who are sick should also postpone their vaccination until they are feeling better to help prevent complications.

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