Will Vaccination After Hepatitis B Recovery Cause Side Effects? - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Having hepatitis B antibodies and receiving three doses of the vaccine may lead to some side effects, although they are generally mild. Common side effects can include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and mild fever. Serious side effects are rare. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice based on individual health status?


I was infected with hepatitis B as a child, but when I grew up and had blood tests at the hospital, the results showed that I do not have hepatitis B.
Therefore, the doctor administered the vaccine, giving me a total of three doses.
However, the doctor did not test for the presence of hepatitis B antibodies in my body.
If I have antibodies after recovery and receive three doses of the vaccine, what impact would that have on my body?

Zhang Pangpang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/07

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology


Hello: The hepatitis B vaccine is made from viral gene fragments and does not contain live virus, so it does not affect the human body unless there is an allergy.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2017/01/07

More Info


Vaccination after recovery from Hepatitis B can raise valid concerns, particularly regarding the potential for side effects and the necessity of the vaccine itself. To address your question, it is important to understand the nature of Hepatitis B infection, the immune response to it, and the role of vaccination.

When a person is infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV), the body typically mounts an immune response that can lead to the production of antibodies against the virus. If you have recovered from Hepatitis B, it is likely that your body has developed these antibodies, specifically the Anti-HBs (antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen). This indicates that you have immunity against future infections of Hepatitis B.
In your case, since you mentioned that your blood tests showed no presence of Hepatitis B, it suggests that you have either cleared the virus or were never chronically infected. If you have indeed cleared the virus and developed immunity, receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine may not be necessary. However, if your doctor recommended the vaccination, it could be for a few reasons, such as ensuring that you have a robust immune response or due to a lack of testing for the presence of antibodies prior to vaccination.

Regarding the safety of receiving the vaccine after recovery, the Hepatitis B vaccine is a recombinant vaccine that contains no live virus. It is composed of the surface antigen of the virus, which is produced using genetic engineering techniques. This means that the vaccine is safe and does not pose a risk of causing Hepatitis B infection.
If you were to receive the vaccine while already having immunity (i.e., if you have Anti-HBs), the additional doses of the vaccine are generally considered safe. The immune system is capable of handling the vaccine without adverse effects, as it recognizes the components of the vaccine as non-threatening. The body may simply boost its existing immune response, but there is no evidence to suggest that receiving the vaccine when you already have immunity would lead to harmful side effects.

However, it is important to note that while the vaccine is safe, unnecessary vaccination can lead to increased healthcare costs and may not provide additional benefits if you are already immune. The immune memory created by the initial infection typically lasts for a lifetime, meaning that if you have recovered from Hepatitis B, you are likely protected against future infections without the need for additional vaccinations.

In summary, if you have recovered from Hepatitis B and have developed immunity, receiving the vaccine is unlikely to cause any adverse effects. However, it may not be necessary. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider regarding the need for vaccination and to consider testing for antibodies to confirm your immune status before proceeding with additional vaccinations. This ensures that you receive the most appropriate care based on your individual health history and current immune status.

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