In most cases, the hepatitis A vaccine protects children and adults alike from getting this serious liver disease. Spread through direct contact with infected feces, hepatitis A can cause severe liver damage and even death in extreme cases.
Many children suffer reactions to the many vaccines they receive in early life, including the hepatitis A vaccine. However, if you are traveling to another country, people at any age will receive the hepatitis A vaccine. To learn more about the hepatitis A vaccine and its known side effects, keep reading.
What Is Hepatitis A?
As mentioned above, Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes serious liver disease. The virus is present in the stool of infected people. As a result, hepatitis A is often spread through contaminated water, close contact with an infected person, or by consuming contaminated foods (such as raw fruits and vegetables).
Children and adults can both contract hepatitis A, although children are less likely to show symptoms. According to the CDC, common signs of a hepatitis A infection include:
- Flu-like symptoms (such as fever, nausea, fatigue, sweating, or chills)
- Brown or dark urine
- Painful stomachaches or diarrhea
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
When Should I Get the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
Most children receive two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine between one and two years old.
Adults most commonly receive the hepatitis A vaccine if they are traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common. Those who are visiting, moving to, or working in Asia, Africa, Central or South America, Mexico, or Eastern Europe are advised to get vaccinated against the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that adults receive a hepatitis A vaccination if they:
- Are living or working with an international adoptee from a country with a high rate of hepatitis
- Use illegal drugs that are administered through a needle
- Are men who have relations with men
- Have a history of chronic liver disease
- Work with hepatitis A (or work with primates infected with the virus) in a research lab
Some people are not advised to get the hepatitis A vaccine:
- People who are pregnant (or are trying to get pregnant)
- People who are suffering from an illness
- People who have previously had a severe allergic reaction to alum, 2-phenoxyethanol, or any other component in the hepatitis A vaccine.
What are the Side Effects of the Hepatitis A Vaccine?
To be effective, the hepatitis A vaccine must be given in a series of two injections: one six months before exposure, and one at least one month before exposure.
The majority of people who get the hepatitis A vaccine do not have any adverse reactions, but there is always a chance that a vaccine will cause side effects or serious injuries.
When they do occur, hepatitis A vaccine reactions usually begin soon after the first injection, and may include:
- Flu-like symptoms. You may suffer headaches, tiredness, and a low-grade fever after the vaccine is administered. These symptoms typically last between 1-2 days.
- Shoulder pain near the injection site. Patients have often reported shoulder pain and soreness or reddening and swelling of the upper arm where the shot was given. If your symptoms last for more than six months, you may have a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).
- Allergic reaction. An allergic reaction is one of the biggest risks of vaccine administration. Although these are rare, severe allergic reactions can occur within a few hours after vaccination and can be fatal in some cases. Common signs of a severe allergic reaction to the hepatitis A vaccination include high fever, wheezing or difficulty breathing, hives, dizziness, body weakness, increased heartbeat, and behavioral changes.
How to Get Compensation for a Hepatitis A Vaccine Injury
In most cases, the risks of contracting hepatitis A are much greater than the risk of injury from the vaccine. However, people who are injured by the hepatitis A vaccine can receive compensation from the federal government through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Shannon Law Group is a nationwide vaccine injury law firm. We help people across the nation who are injured by vaccines. Because of our efforts, many of our clients have received compensation for their medical bills, lost income, and unnecessary suffering due to vaccination.
If you believe you were injured by the hepatitis A vaccine, we can help. Call us today at (312) 578-9501 to speak with one of our vaccine injury lawyers. You can also complete the form at the bottom of this page. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation.
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