Hepatitis B Vaccine Reactions: What You Need to Know About Side Effects and Compensation

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening virus that affects millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, most cases in the U.S. can be prevented with the Hepatitis B vaccine, such as Recombivax HB—a recombinant vaccine first introduced in 1982.

While the vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection, liver damage, and even cancer, serious side effects are possible. If you’ve experienced an adverse reaction to the Hepatitis B vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation through the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that causes liver inflammation and increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. The virus can survive outside the body for up to a week and may not show symptoms until 30 days after infection—making it easy to spread unknowingly.

Common Transmission Methods Include:

• From mother to child at birth

• Exposure to infected bodily fluids (saliva, mucus, blood)

• Sexual transmission

• Non-sterile tools (tattoo needles, syringes, dental or medical instruments)

During the early stages—when a person is most infectious—symptoms are often absent. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

• Dark-colored urine

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Severe fatigue

Chronic hepatitis B can lead to scarring of liver tissue and ultimately liver cancer or failure. In severe cases, patients may experience acute liver failure, a life-threatening emergency.

Side Effects of the Hepatitis B Vaccine

The Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is typically administered in a three-dose series over six months. It may interact with medications used to treat autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or organ transplant rejection. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should consult a physician before vaccination.

Common Side Effects Include:

• Fever (above 99.9°F for 1–2 days)

• Shoulder soreness or swelling at the injection site

• Mild flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, congestion, sore throat, or loss of appetite

• Rare reactions like dizziness, fainting, or tingling in hands and feet

Serious Hepatitis B Vaccine Injuries

In rare cases, people may experience long-term complications after the vaccine. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program recognizes several vaccine-related conditions, including:

• SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration): Caused by improper injection technique, leading to bursitis, frozen shoulder, or rotator cuff damage.

• Vasovagal Syncope: Fainting due to the body’s reaction to vaccination. While typically short-lived, injuries sustained during a fall may be serious.

• Anaphylaxis: A severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. Symptoms may include trouble breathing, seizures, throat swelling, or hives. These reactions usually occur within hours of the shot.

Even if your injury isn’t listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, you may still qualify for compensation. Your attorney can help build a strong case using medical records and expert testimony.

How to Get Compensation for a Hepatitis B Vaccine Injury

If you’ve suffered a serious side effect from the Hepatitis B vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)—a no-fault program created by Congress in 1986.

At Shannon Law Group, our vaccine injury lawyers represent clients nationwide in VICP claims. We fight to recover payment for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

Best of all, legal representation in VICP claims is fully covered by the federal government—you pay nothing out of pocket for our services.

Contact a Vaccine Injury Attorney Today

There is a strict time limit to file your VICP claim, so don’t wait. Call Shannon Law Group at (312) 578-9501 or complete the form below for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.