About Hepatitis A Vaccine Injuries

The hepatitis A vaccine protects against a virus that damages the liver and causes long-term illness. But when the vaccine itself causes harm, the effects are often just as serious. People with chronic liver disease or those already at increased risk—such as adults exposed through contaminated food or international travel—can suffer painful complications from the injection. For someone with first hepatitis exposure or underlying conditions, even a routine shot can trigger long-term inflammation, ongoing pain, and expensive medical care. These injuries can change your daily life and may qualify for federal compensation.

Common Side Effects After the Hepatitis A Vaccine

Most people experience only mild symptoms after receiving the hepatitis a vaccine, but some side effects can signal something more serious. Common reactions include fever, pain, soreness, or redness in the upper arm where the injection was given. These symptoms typically appear within the first few days and often go away within two weeks. However, in rare cases, these initial signs may develop into more serious medical issues—such as chronic joint pain, inflammation, or allergic reactions that do not resolve on their own. If symptoms persist or become worse after vaccination, it may indicate a vaccine injury.

Who Is Most at Risk of Vaccine Injury?

While the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for many people, certain groups face a higher risk of complications. Children and adolescents receiving routine vaccinations may react more strongly to early doses. An unvaccinated person exposed through close contact with an infected individual can face more intense immune responses after vaccination. People who use injection drugs are at increased risk due to existing health factors. The same is true for military personnel, who often receive multiple immunizations during deployment. Travel also plays a role—those visiting or living in South America or Eastern Europe may be more likely to receive the vaccine and experience side effects. These risks vary by age, health condition, and environment.

Compensation for Vaccine-Related Injuries

If you’ve suffered a severe allergic reaction due to a vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Courts may also award punitive damages in cases of medical malpractice or negligence.

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What Treatment Looks Like—And What It Costs

Treating a reaction after the hepatitis a vaccine depends on the severity of the injury. Mild side effects like fever, pain, or fatigue usually resolve with over-the-counter medicine and rest. But more serious complications may need specialized care. For example, SIRVA may require physical therapy, steroid injections, or orthopedic follow-up. If the vaccine triggers liver-related problems—especially in patients with liver disease or chronic liver disease—additional bloodwork, ultrasounds, or liver function monitoring may be needed. Neurological issues or autoimmune reactions may require ongoing management by a specialist.

Out-of-pocket costs can build quickly. An emergency room visit can exceed $1,500. Follow-up appointments, diagnostic testing, and prescription drugs may add thousands more. In some cases, missed work or long-term physical therapy increases total expenses. These real-world medical and financial impacts are why the VICP was created—to help injured patients recover without paying out of pocket for a vaccine they trusted for protection.

How the Legal Process Works—And What Compensation Covers

If you were injured after receiving the hepatitis a vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation through the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This system does not require you to sue your doctor. Instead, you file a claim with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, providing medical records, proof of symptoms, the type of dose received, and the timeline between vaccination and injury. The process is designed to support patients harmed by routine immunizations, including those for vaccine preventable diseases like hepatitis a, hepatitis b, and combination vaccines.

Compensation can cover all related costs—from emergency treatment to ongoing care. It may also include reimbursement for lost income, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses. To succeed with an off-table injury, you need clear documentation that the vaccine caused your condition. With legal guidance, many clients secure payment for injuries that are not officially listed but still medically linked. Filing quickly matters, especially if you recently experienced symptoms or exposure to the virus.

If you developed serious symptoms after your hepatitis A vaccination, My Vaccine Lawyer will help you pursue compensation through the VICP—at no cost to get started.

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