Hepatitus Shot Side Effects

Hepatitis is a chronic, life-threatening inflammatory infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis virus. People can protect themselves against developing this infection by receiving a hepatitis shot. There are two different forms of the hepatitis shot: the hepatitis A vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine. Both of these vaccines are typically administered as an injection in the upper arm. People should discuss the potential side effects of the hepatitis shot before receiving this vaccination.

Injection Site Reaction

One of the most common side effects of a hepatitis shot is an injection site reaction. Approximately 15 to 50 percent of people develop soreness at the site of a hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccination, according to medical experts with the Centers for Disease Control. Additional injection site side effects can include skin redness, swelling or pain. Injection site side effects typically appear shortly after people receive the hepatitis shot, and can persist for a few days following vaccination.

Fever

People who receive the hepatitis shot can develop a fever as a side effect following immunization. Fever symptoms typically exceed 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit, explain CDC health officials, and can contribute to headache pain, sweating or chills in treated patients. If fever side effects persist for more than a few days following vaccination, affected people should consult a physician for further evaluation and care.

Upset Stomach

The hepatitis B vaccine can cause upset stomach side effects in certain patients, explain medical professionals with Drugs.com. Affected patients may feel nauseous, which can contribute to a temporary decrease in appetite. Additionally, certain people develop sore throat symptoms after receiving the hepatitis B shot.

Headaches

Headache pain can occur as a side effect of the hepatitis A shot in certain people. Typically, headache pain is mild and can develop within three to five days following vaccination, explain medical experts with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If headache pain is bothersome, affected people can take an over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate this side effect.

Fatigue, Weakness or Irritability

After receiving the hepatitis shot, certain people can appear unusually fatigued, weak or irritable. Increased tiredness or weakness may affect a person's ability to remain alert and active during normal daily activities. Infants or young children who receive this vaccine may cry or fuss more frequently than usual for a day or two after treatment. These side effects of a hepatitis shot are temporary and typically subside within a few days after immunization.