Hepatitis B vaccines are given in a series of three shots. It is recommended for all infants at birth and for children up to 19 years of age, explains HepB.org. Adults who have not already received the vaccine may consider getting this vaccine, especially if they work in a health care setting or are involved in providing care to high-risk populations outside the United States. The Hep B vaccine is considered to be safe, but mild side effects are possible.
Injection Site Discomfort
It is common to experience mild discomfort at the site of the injection. This can include soreness, swelling and redness. These effects can occur shortly after the injection or after a day has passed. The injection site discomfort should improve within a day or two. VaccineInformation.org points out that adults are more likely to have these mild side effects after receiving the vaccine than children. Pain-relieving medication can be taken to reduce the symptoms.
Dizziness and Fatigue
The most common side effects associated with the hepatitis B vaccine, according to Drugs.com, include general signs of illness. These include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tiredness, headache, runny nose and/or a sore throat. It is advisable to report this side effects to a doctor if they are persistent or overly bothersome.
Diarrhea and Nausea
It is common for individuals receiving the hep B vaccine to notice side effects associated with the gastrointestinal system. Such symptoms can include diarrhea, reduced appetite and/or nausea. These symptoms should not be persistent.
Fever and Irritability
A low-grade fever following a Hep B vaccination is possible. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that Hep B vaccine-induced fever is usually 99.9 degrees or higher in one out of every 15 individuals. Fever-reducing medication can effectively treat this side effect. Drugs.com points out that individuals may become irritable after receiving the injection.
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