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Important Facts About the Hepatitis B Vaccine
The Hepatitis B vaccine is critical in safeguarding individuals against a potentially devastating disease caused by a virus that directly targets the liver. Hepatitis B can lead to lifelong infections, severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and, tragically, even death.
In the United States, Hepatitis B vaccinations have been standard practice since the early 1990s, offering robust protection against this viral menace. Several inactivated virus vaccines, such as Recombivax HB, GenHevac B, Hepagene, and Engerix-B, are available to prevent Hepatitis B, with Twinrix additionally covering Hepatitis A. Infants in the United States receive three doses of Hepatitis B vaccines. At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone up to 18 years of age who missed vaccination as a child should also receive it.
Remarkably, approximately ninety-five percent of children who receive the Hepatitis B vaccination achieve sufficient immunity, providing them with lasting protection. This immunization is particularly crucial for adults at risk of Hepatitis B, including sexually active individuals, intravenous drug users, those traveling to countries where Hepatitis B is prevalent, and individuals with chronic liver and kidney diseases.
However, it's important to note that while the vaccine is highly effective, Hepatitis B vaccine dangers are a reality. They can be both serious and varied, as documented in studies like Marc Girard's work on autoimmune hazards associated with the vaccine. Therefore, informed decision-making and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential when considering Hepatitis B vaccination.
What are commonly reported side effects of the Hepatitis B vaccine?
Commonly reported Hepatitis B vaccination reactions can vary in nature and severity. Common side effects for the single antigen HepB vaccine typically include dizziness and nausea, each occurring in approximately 8.4% of cases, according to a study on the Safety of currently licensed hepatitis B surface antigen vaccines in the United States, Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). In contrast, HepB-containing vaccines are associated with fever in about 23% of cases and redness at the injection site in roughly 11% of cases.
While most reported side effects are mild and self-limiting, it's crucial to acknowledge the serious side effects that have been documented. Among 4,444 reports following the single antigen HepB vaccine administration, 6.8% were considered serious, and sadly, 45 deaths were reported. The most frequently cited cause of death was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accounting for 197 cases. The data reveals variations among different age groups in examining non-death serious reports. Among infants under one month, nervous system disorders were the most common serious reports, with 15 cases reported. In the 1-23 month age group, infections and infestations were the predominant serious reports, with 8 cases noted.
For individuals aged 2-18 years, blood and lymphatic system disorders were more prevalent. For those over 18 years of age, general disorders and administration site conditions were frequently reported as serious side effects. Furthermore, vaccination errors were identified as a contributing factor in some cases, particularly with single-antigen HepB vaccines. The most common vaccination error reported was incorrect product storage.
