Hepatitis B Vaccine

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Since 1994, the Hepatitis A (“Hep A”) and Hepatitis B (“Hep B”) vaccines have protected millions of Americans from contracting these deadly viruses. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), these hepatitis viruses cause inflammation of the liver. In worst-case scenarios, they lead to liver cancer and chronic liver failure. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) spreads by consuming contaminated foods. On the other hand, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads after exposure to infected bodily fluids.

While Hep A and B vaccinations offer necessary protection for most, these vaccines can cause serious adverse reactions and injuries in some. These side effects include shoulder injuries (SIRVA), Vasovagal Syncope, allergic reactions, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and other injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a hepatitis A or B vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation from a federal fund called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. 

At Shannon Law Group, P.C., our compassionate attorneys help vaccine injury victims get compensation from a federal program called the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. We represent people throughout the United States, and our representation comes at no cost to you. To schedule your free consultation, please call us at (312) 578-9501. 

Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about injuries related to hepatitis vaccinations. 

What Are Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B? 

While similar, these strains of hepatitis affect the body in different ways. 

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a very contagious liver infection triggered by the hepatitis A virus. Most cases are mild, only lasting a couple of weeks. In some cases, hepatitis A can develop into a serious infection, lasting several months. In rare cases, it can cause death. 

Hepatitis A typically spreads when someone ingests the virus from drinks, food, or other contaminated objects unknowingly. It can also spread through close contact with an infected person. Adults with hepatitis A may experience symptoms like fatigue, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice. Most children under the age of six do not experience symptoms while infected. 

Hepatitis B

As its name would suggest, hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread when an infected person’s bodily fluids enters the body of a person who is not infected. The virus can spread from an infected person even if they don’t look or feel ill. 

For some, a hepatitis B infection is mild and doesn’t last long. They may experience symptoms such as a fever, nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, and other side effects. 

However, others may experience a chronic infection that may not show any symptoms. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe health conditions, such as liver cancer or cirrhosis (chronic damage of the liver). 

Who Should Receive Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccinations?

Young children and older adults are more likely to suffer from a hepatitis A or B vaccine injury. According to the childhood vaccination schedule, children typically receive the first dose of the hepatitis A vaccine between 12 and 23 months old. The second dose must be given six (6) months after the first dose. 

On the other hand, children receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The second dose is given between one (1) and two (2) months old, while the third is administered between six (6) months and fifteen (15) months old.

Many adults also receive the hepatitis A and B vaccines, since they were not available before 1994. 

Side Effects of the Hep A and Hep B Vaccines

Mild to moderate side effects may occur following a Hep A or Hep B vaccination. Most of the time, these reactions go away on their own within days or weeks. 

Following a hepatitis vaccine, you may experience the following adverse reactions: 

  • Soreness or redness where the shot is given
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever 
  • Tiredness or fatigue 

Serious Injuries & Reactions Linked to Hepatitis Vaccines

As with any medication, there is a small chance you may become seriously injured by a hepatitis A or B vaccination. The hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines have been linked to the following conditions by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP):

Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

Did you know that you can get a shoulder injury from a vaccine, including hepatitis vaccinations? At our vaccine injury law firm, we see this condition more often than most vaccine side effects. 

SIRVA happens when a vaccine is administered into the shoulder capsule instead of the deltoid muscle. This typically occurs because the vaccine is injected too high or too deep into the shoulder. 

This condition can happen as a result of any vaccine or injection administered to the shoulder incorrectly. 

The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has recognized SIRVA as a known injury from the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. 

What SIRVA symptoms should you look out for after a hepatitis vaccination? Here’s a few telltale signs:

  • Severe shoulder pain within 48 hours of vaccination. 
  • Decreased range of motion in affected arm. 
  • Significant swelling or inflammation near the injection site.
  • Radiating pain that shoots down your injured arm.

While SIRVA is recognized by the federal government, your doctor may not know about it. As a result, they may diagnose you with a related shoulder injury condition that develops from SIRVA. 

Common SIRVA-related diagnoses include: 

  • Shoulder Bursitis. 
  • Shoulder Tendonitis.
  • Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder Syndrome).
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries.
  • Impingement Syndrome. 

There are many treatment options available for SIRVA injuries, including steroid injections, physical therapy, and surgery. 

Learn more about SIRVA here. 

Vasovagal Syncope (Sudden Fainting)

Vasovagal syncope happens when you faint due to an overreaction to a trigger like a vaccination. Your heart rate and blood pressure drop suddenly, causing you to faint. 

Vasovagal syncope isn’t inherently dangerous by itself. It is hazardous if the patient is injured while falling. The VICP offers compensation to people who suffer an injury as a result of vasovagal syncope from a hepatitis vaccine.

Anaphylaxis (Allergic Reactions)

Like with any vaccination, people may experience anaphylactic shock following a hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccination. This reaction is very rare. It often occurs within minutes or hours after the injection is given. 

Symptoms of anaphylaxis due to a hepatitis vaccine include: 

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sudden rash
  • Swelling of the tongue
  • Tightness in the throat
  • Inability to speak
  • Coughing or wheezing

This condition is easily treatable with a dose of epinephrine (EpiPen). Other treatment options include IV fluids, steroids, antihistamines, and oxygen. 

Most patients with anaphylaxis make a full recovery. However, some may require CPR and supportive care. If not caught soon enough, the patient may pass away. 

Learn more about anaphylactic shock due to vaccination here. 

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system begins attacking nerves responsible for walking, talking, and more. As a result, patients with GBS slowly lose control over their movements. 

GBS is often triggered by a viral infection. However, it can also be caused by a vaccination. 

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is not formally recognized by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program as a known hepatitis vaccine injury. However, there are many documented cases of adults who receive a Hep A or B vaccine and are diagnosed with GBS a few weeks later. 

The onset of vaccine-related GBS occurs within 3 to 42 days. People will often experience tingling or numbness in their hands and feet. Over time, they will lose the ability to feel and walk. 

GBS is treated via immunoglobulin therapy or plasma exchange therapy. It often requires inpatient treatment in order to resolve. Most people with GBS make a full recovery within 6 months. However, some people never regain full functionality of their legs or arms again. 

Learn more about GBS here. 

How to Get Compensation for Hepatitis Vaccine-Related Injury 

If you or a loved one has suffered from a Hepatitis A or B vaccine injury in the last three (3) years, you may be entitled to compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). 

How does this process work? If you meet certain requirements, you can submit a petition alleging the hepatitis A or B vaccine caused your injury, along with supporting documents. 

While you can file a petition without an attorney, we highly recommend that you seek counsel to help you. Navigating a vaccine injury claim is difficult, and the VICP acknowledges that. As such, the court allows your vaccine injury attorney to petition for his or her time, so that their attorney’s fees never come out of your award. It virtually costs you nothing to hire an attorney like the ones at Shannon Law Group, P.C. to help you. 

Once your petition is filed, the court will review it. If they concede that the vaccine did in fact cause your injury, they will move forward with deciding how much compensation you deserve. If they do not concede, they will ask for additional documentation proving your vaccine injury. 

What can you be compensated for in the VICP? There are four categories: 

  • Any past out-of-pocket medical expenses. 
  • Pain and suffering (capped at $250,000).
  • Past and future lost wages. 
  • Future medical costs. 

You can learn more about compensation from the VICP here. 

If you suffered an adverse reaction to a hepatitis vaccination, our vaccine injury attorneys are ready to help you. Please call us to schedule your free consultation at 312-578-9501. You can also contact us by filling out the form below. 

Our consultations are always free, and our representation comes at no cost to our clients when handling vaccine injury cases. Our attorneys also are admitted to the U.S. Federal Court of Claims, so they can represent anyone living in the United States.

Vaccine Injuries Book

Download your free copy of Vaccine Injuries: Understanding the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program by attorney Jonathan Svitak.

In this publication, Jonathan explains the history of this unique federal program and answers some of your most frequently asked questions about vaccine injury cases.