From the Guidelines
It is generally safe to wash or bathe after receiving a hepatitis B vaccine, with no specific restrictions on bathing or showering following this vaccination. You can wash the injection site gently with soap and water if needed, however, avoid scrubbing or rubbing the injection site vigorously as it might be tender 1. If a bandage was applied, you can remove it after a few hours unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Some people may experience mild side effects at the injection site such as soreness, redness, or swelling, which typically resolve within a few days. Applying a clean, cool compress to the area may help reduce discomfort.
Common Side Effects
- Pain at the injection site (3%--29%)
- Fever >99.9° F (>37.7° C) (1%--6%) If you notice unusual reactions like severe pain, significant swelling, or signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, or discharge), contact your healthcare provider. These recommendations are based on standard post-vaccination care principles, as the hepatitis B vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that works by introducing a small, harmless portion of the virus to stimulate your immune system 1.
Important Considerations
- Persons with a history of serious adverse events (e.g., anaphylaxis) after receipt of hepatitis B vaccine should not receive additional doses 1.
- Vaccination of persons with moderate or severe acute illness, with or without fever, should be deferred until the acute phase of the illness resolves 1.
- Vaccination is not contraindicated in persons with a history of MS, Guillain-Barré syndrome, autoimmune disease (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosis or rheumatoid arthritis), or other chronic diseases 1.
From the Research
Adverse Events Following Hepatitis B Vaccination
- The hepatitis B vaccine is considered safe, but adverse events following immunization (AEFI) can occur, with a reporting rate of 17.55/100,000 doses in Quzhou from 2011 to 2023 2.
- The majority of reported AEFI (98.73%) were non-serious, with vaccine product-related reactions, immunization anxiety-related reactions, and coincidental events being the most common types 2.
- The main symptoms of vaccine product-related reactions were fever, local reactions at the injection site, and rash, with 94.12% of these reactions occurring within 3 days of vaccination 2.
Factors Associated with Adverse Events
- The AEFI reporting rate was higher for the CHO vaccine compared to yeast vaccines 2.
- Children under 1 year of age who received the hepatitis B vaccine had a higher probability of AEFI in the latter dose compared to the previous dose 2.
- HBV antibody titers at the time of employment were a significant risk factor for poor immune response to hepatitis B vaccination among healthcare workers 3.
Efficacy and Safety of Hepatitis B Vaccination
- Hepatitis B vaccination is safe and effective in preventing HBV infection, with a significant reduction in HBV carrier rate and hepatitis B-related morbidity and mortality 4, 5.
- The combination of hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin is efficacious for postexposure immunoprophylaxis of accidental HBV infection 6.
- The immune response to hepatitis B vaccination can be affected by various factors, including the type of vaccine, age, and underlying health conditions 3.