Several vaccines exist to protect people against developing liver inflammation caused by either the hepatitis A or B viruses. Hepatitis vaccines are typically administered as injections within the upper arm. The dangers of hepatitis vaccines are limited, but should be discussed with a doctor prior to immunization.
Allergic Reaction
Treatment with either the hepatitis A or B vaccine can induce an allergic reaction in certain patients, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns. An allergic reaction to these vaccines is rare, but can be life-threatening if it occurs. Patients who develop an allergic reaction, which is also called anaphylaxis, can experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, pale skin, increased heart rate, lightheadedness, skin hives or vocal hoarseness.
People who are allergic to baker's yeast are at a significantly increased risk of developing an allergic reaction following vaccination with the hepatitis B injection. Typically, patients who are allergic to a hepatitis vaccine develop allergic reaction symptoms within 15 minutes of immunization, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Emergency medical care is required for any patient who develops an allergic reaction after receiving a hepatitis vaccine.
Reaction at Injection Site
Patients who receive a hepatitis vaccine are in danger of developing a skin reaction at the injection site. Approximately 16 to 50 percent of patients who receive the hepatitis A or B vaccine experience soreness at the site of injection, the CDC warns. Receipt of a vaccine can also result in redness, bruising or swelling of the injection site. Affected patients typically experience injection site reaction symptoms for one to two days following vaccination before these side effects resolve.
Flulike Symptoms
The development of flulike symptoms following hepatitis vaccination is a potential danger of this type of immunization. Affected patients can develop a low-grade fever, unusual fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea or muscle discomfort, MedlinePlus explains. Fever symptoms can also contribute to headache, sweating, chills or facial flushing in certain patients. Flulike symptoms can arise shortly after vaccination and generally diminish within a few days of treatment.
