The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination against hepatitis B for children beginning at birth and for adults who have certain risk factors. Children should receive three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine before reaching nineteen months, and adults who need the vaccine should receive either two or three doses depending on the specific vaccine administered. Like all vaccines, the CDC considers hepatitis B vaccines to be safe for most people. But, some parents and vaccine recipients will need to hire a vaccine injury lawyer to help them recover just compensation.
Here is some important information for parents and vaccine recipients who have concerns about injuries and illnesses linked to hepatitis B immunizations:
Side Effects vs. Symptoms of a Vaccine Injury
The CDC has identified several side effects that are relatively common among hepatitis B vaccine recipients. According to the CDC, the following are all common side effects that should be relatively mild and subside within a couple of days:
- Soreness, redness or swelling of the arm
- Headache
- Fever
Other effects could be signs of a potentially serious vaccine injury or illness. For example, some hepatitis B vaccine recipients will experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, dizziness and weakness are all potential signs of an allergic reaction. In severe cases, allergic reactions to the hepatitis B vaccine can be life-threatening, and, if non-fatal, they can often have long-term effects.
Another risk associated with the hepatitis B vaccine is the risk of a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). These are injuries that result from errors during vaccination, such as inserting the needle at the wrong angle or in the wrong part of the upper arm. Early symptoms of SIRVA commonly include shoulder pain and limited mobility in the arm, though there are various other possible symptoms depending on the specific type of SIRVA diagnosed.
How to Seek Compensation for a Hepatitis B Vaccine Injury
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal government program that provides financial compensation to eligible vaccine recipients. The VICP covers severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and SIRVA resulting from hepatitis B vaccinations.
To seek compensation under the VICP, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. The VICP provides “no-fault” compensation, but it requires evidence that the claimant’s injury or illness is vaccine-related. Medical records are essential in this regard. It is also important to speak with an experienced vaccine injury lawyer, as there are several challenging steps involved in filing a successful claim for financial compensation. Learn more about filing a claim under the VICP.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Vaccine Injury Lawyer Leah V. Durant
Do you have questions about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) related to a hepatitis B vaccination? If so, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. To speak with vaccine injury lawyer Leah V. Durant in confidence, please call 202-800-1711 or request an appointment online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.