Like hepatitis A, hepatitis B is an infectious, viral disease of the liver. Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B is primarily spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. Perinatal transmission of the disease from an infected mother to her unborn child is another major source of transmission in developing countries. Around the world, an estimated 350 million people are chronic carriers of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccinations have been commonplace in the United States since the early 1990's. Ninety-five percent of children who receive a hepatitis B vaccination are sufficiently immunized against the disease and will remain largely protected for the rest of their lives. Children who are born to a hepatitis B infected mother are generally immunized at birth.
Several inactivated virus vaccines, including Recombivax HB, GenHevac B, Hepagene, and Engerix-B, can prevent hepatitis B. Twinrix is a vaccine against both hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis B vaccine may be given by itself or in the same shot with other vaccines. In the United States, infants receive 3 doses of hepatitis vaccines. CDC recommends anyone through 18 years of age who did not get the vaccine when they were younger should also be vaccinated. However, these vaccines can also carry serious consequences.
Mild Hep B vaccine side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, and mild rash. Serious side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine are rare but can be very serious if they do occur. Many people who receive the hepatitis B vaccine, however, experience no problems.
The likelihood of suffering a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine is estimated at a million to one. Of course, there are millions of vaccinations each year, which means these kinds of reactions do happen to some individuals.
Possible severe reactions and diseases that have been associated with hepatitis B vaccine include:
This is not an exhaustive list of severe side effects that have been linked to the hepatitis B vaccine. Severe adverse reactions to the hepatitis B vaccine should be taken seriously. If left untreated, they could lead to death or permanent injuries.
If you have recently received a vaccine shot for Hepatitis B and are now experiencing shoulder pain, you should contact our firm immediately. Many vaccines can cause swelling or tenderness in the upper arm or shoulder at the site of the injection. Vaccines improperly administered can cause serious shoulder injuries such as bursitis, torn rotator cuff, tendonitis, and adhesive capsulitis.
If you or someone in your family are among the unfortunate few who have suffered a severe illness or injury as a result of a hepatitis B vaccination, contact Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates today. Our knowledgeable and compassionate legal team is experienced in vaccine injuries and we represent clients across the country. From start to finish, you'll never pay a dime out of pocket!
If you have suffered an injury, don't wait to get help. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation to talk about your case with an experienced attorney.
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