The hepatitis A vaccine is basically an inactivated virus that prevents children over 12 months as well as adults from developing hepatitis A which is an infection of the liver that can occur after the ingestion of contaminated water or food. Hepatitis A infections can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, generalized feeling of being sick and yellowing of the eyes and skin.
The hepatitis A vaccine is usually given in two doses with 6 months interval. The side effects are usually mild in nature and quickly resolve. There are no severe side effects reported. If you want to be prepared to handle the possible side effects after the hepatitis A vaccine was given, you can register for first aid training today.
What are the possible localized reactions?
The hepatitis A vaccine is administered by injecting into a muscle. As an outcome, the most prevalent side effect of the vaccine includes redness, pain and swelling at the site where the vaccine was administered. In reality, a small percentage of individuals who were given the vaccine have reported some type of localized reaction. Take note that the symptoms typically resolve within 1-2 days and no form of treatment is needed.
Mild side effects
The mild side effects tend to occur in less than 10% of those who were given the hepatitis A vaccine. It is important to note that usual complaints of those who received the vaccine include a slightly elevated body temperature, fatigue as well as loss of appetite, headache and a general feeling of being sick. Take note that these side effects just like with the localized reactions usually subside after 1-2 days without requiring medical care.
Allergic reactions
In some cases, the potentially life-threatening allergic reactions can occur after receiving the hepatitis A vaccine. It is vital to seek immediate medical care if the individual experiences signs and symptoms such as swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, rapid heart rate or high fever after the vaccine were given.
If the individual experiences an allergic reaction to the first dose of hepatitis A vaccine, he/she might not be given the second dose in the series. In case the individual has latex allergy, the vaccine should not be given since the stopper in the vial is made out of latex.
Considerations to bear in mind
Individuals who are allergic to the hepatitis A vaccine or one of its components such as alum should not be given the vaccine. In case the individual is sick, the schedule for vaccination should be postponed until he/she feels well. As of now, there are no clinical studies to determine the effect of hepatitis A vaccine on the fetus in pregnant women or infants of nursing mothers, but the risk is likely to be low since the virus is inactivated.