Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus and is spread via contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B results in serious liver damage ranging from liver cancer, cirrhosis and death The hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in the United States in 1982 and it is effective at preventing hepatitis B infection and the serious consequences of the disease. Despite many advantages of the hepatitis B vaccine, individuals should be aware of the associated risks.
Injection Site Reaction
While the hepatitis B vaccine is generally considered to be a safe and effective vaccine, patients may experience local side effects at the injection site, notes Drugs.com. Soreness, swelling, pain, redness, nodule formation and bruise-like lesions at the injection site is a common side effect associated with the hepatitis B vaccine. These local injection site reactions are temporary and last for a few days. An ice pack or cold compress is used to relieve the swelling and pain at the injection site. Severe swelling and pain should be reported to a physician.
Fever
According to Vaccine Information, the hepatitis B vaccine has been safely administered to 70 million adolescents and adults and more 50 million infants and children. The majority of children do not experience any major side effects; however, mild side effects such as low grade fever do occur. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 15 recipients of the hepatitis B vaccine experience a fever of 99 degrees F or higher. Vaccine Information notes these mild side effects are rare in children and more likely to occur in adults.
Allergic Reaction
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend the hepatitis B vaccine to anyone allergic to baker's yeast or any other components of the hepatitis B vaccine. While severe allergic reactions to the hepatitis B vaccine are rare, one in 1.1 million recipients of the hepatitis B vaccine develop a severe, allergic reaction, notes the CDC. According to Drugs.com, a rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue as well as a tightness in the chest are symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and the individual should seek immediate medical attention.
