Hepatitis B Vaccine (cont.)

What if There is a Moderate or Severe Reaction?

What Should I Look For?

Any unusual condition, such as a severe allergic reaction or a high fever. If a severe allergic reaction occurred, it would happen within a few minutes to an hour after the shot. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, weakness, hoarseness or wheezing, a fast heart beat, hives, dizziness, paleness, or swelling of the throat.

What Should I Do?

• Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
• Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
• Ask your provider to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can file this report through the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

VAERS does not provide medical advice.

The National Vaccine Injury Compenation Program

For more information about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call
1-800-338-2382 or visit their website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.

How Can I Learn More?

• Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of informatFion.
• Call your local or state health department.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO)

SOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control

Last Editorial Review: 3/3/2010

SOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control