Hepatitis B vaccines are an important tool in protecting against Hepatitis B virus, a serious infection that can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In the United States, these vaccines are widely recommended for infants, children, and adults at risk of infection.

Like most vaccines, Hepatitis B vaccines are very safe. However, in rare cases, certain adverse reactions may occur. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) recognizes specific injuries that may qualify for compensation when linked to Hepatitis B vaccines.

Below are the injuries currently listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for Hepatitis B vaccines, along with the medical criteria and timing requirements.

Anaphylaxis (Onset: ≤ 4 Hours)

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems. It typically occurs within minutes to a few hours after receiving a vaccine.

Signs and symptoms may include:

Swelling of the throat, tongue, or airway

Difficulty breathing or wheezing

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Cyanosis (bluish skin)

Irregular heartbeat

Most cases resolve with emergency treatment, but anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. To qualify under the VICP, symptoms must appear within 4 hours of vaccination, affect at least two organ systems, and last longer than 6 months or require surgery—neither of which is common with Anaphylaxis.

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (Onset: ≤ 48 Hours)

SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is injected too high or deep into the shoulder, affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bursae. This is not a neurological injury.

SIRVA can lead to long-term pain, frozen shoulder, or limited range of motion if not properly treated.

Vasovagal Syncope (Onset: ≤ 1 Hour)

Vasovagal syncope, commonly called fainting, is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure after vaccination.

Symptoms may include:

Nausea or lightheadedness

Sweating and pallor

Brief loss of consciousness

Possible seizure-like movements

Rapid recovery

To be compensable, the episode must occur within one hour of the injection and not be related to other conditions like cardiac disease or seizures. Though often benign, fainting can result in secondary injuries from falling. One with syncope rarely meets the Program requirements for severity, meaning the condition lasts longer than 6 months.

Legal Considerations and the VICP

If you or a loved one suffered one of these injuries after receiving a Hepatitis B vaccine, you may be eligible to file a claim in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (“Vaccine Court”). The VICP can provide compensation for:

·         Medical expenses

·         Lost wages or income

·         Pain and suffering

Contact a Vaccine Injury Lawyer Today

At Texas Vaccine Lawyers, a Division of The Greenwood Law Firm, we help clients navigate the VICP claims process to seek justice for vaccine-related injuries. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Sources:

·         https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/vicp/vaccine-injury-table-01-03-2022.pdf

·         https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/