Concerns About Baby's Feeding Issues After Hepatitis B Vaccination

After receiving the second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, the baby is not feeding and is lethargic?

Hello Dr.
Chang, my daughter was born on July 9, 2005.
She received her first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine at the hospital on July 11.
When she was one month old, she returned to the hospital on August 10 at 3 PM for her second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.
After receiving the vaccine, she came home and slept continuously.
That night, she started vomiting after her midnight feeding, and the vomiting persisted until the morning of August 14.
Since then, my baby has lost interest in drinking milk.
Previously, she would feed every 2 to 3 hours, taking about 100-120 cc each time, but now she only takes about 30-50 cc at a time.
She used to enjoy breastfeeding for 20-40 minutes, but now she wants to sleep after just five minutes of feeding.
Even when I try to burp her, I can't wake her up.
She has also experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and occasional leg cramps.

I took her back to the hospital, and due to time constraints, we saw two different doctors in the same hospital.
One doctor said my baby has gas and prescribed medication for gas relief along with probiotics.
The other doctor said my baby is just being fussy about feeding and prescribed Antisemin 4 mg and Dexicone 40 mg.
However, my baby's refusal to drink milk has not improved.
I would like to ask Dr.
Chang for your professional opinion because the hospital provided a paper stating that in very rare cases, if there is jaundice or a significant decrease in appetite within a month after vaccination, one should seek medical attention promptly.
The doctors I consulted said the Hepatitis B vaccine is very safe, but I am worried that my baby might be one of those very rare cases.
Thank you for your guidance.

Mi Xiu, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/23

Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics

Dear Dr.
Chang Kuo-Chen from Pediatrics,
1.
First of all, I would like to express my respect for the diligent mother; I believe you are truly a dedicated mom.

2.
Generally speaking, the hepatitis B vaccine is a very safe vaccine and has minimal side effects.

3.
I also do not believe that the aforementioned issues are related to the hepatitis B vaccine.
Please continue to monitor your baby's energy levels and appetite; as long as these two aspects are normal, there is no need to worry too much.

Wishing you peace and safety.

Reply Date: 2005/08/23

More Info

Concerns regarding a baby's feeding issues after receiving the Hepatitis B vaccination are understandable, especially for new parents who are vigilant about their child's health. Based on the information provided, it appears that your baby experienced a series of symptoms following the administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine, including vomiting, decreased appetite, and unusual sleepiness.
First and foremost, it is important to note that the Hepatitis B vaccine is generally considered safe and effective. Most infants tolerate the vaccine well, with only mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or irritability. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. The symptoms your baby is experiencing—vomiting, decreased appetite, and lethargy—are concerning but may not necessarily be directly linked to the vaccine itself.

The vomiting that occurred shortly after the vaccination could be attributed to a variety of factors, including a possible gastrointestinal upset or a reaction to something else entirely, such as a change in feeding routine or a mild viral illness. It is also worth considering that infants can sometimes experience feeding aversions due to discomfort, which can be exacerbated by factors like gas or reflux. The fact that your baby was previously feeding well and has now significantly decreased her intake raises the need for further evaluation.

In your case, the two different doctors provided differing opinions on your baby's condition. One suggested that the baby has gas and prescribed medication to alleviate that, while the other dismissed the feeding issues as mere aversion. It is essential to follow up with a pediatrician who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly recommend further diagnostic tests if necessary. Monitoring your baby's weight and growth is crucial during this time, as any significant changes in feeding habits can impact her overall health.

Regarding the concerns about the Hepatitis B vaccine and the potential for serious side effects, it is important to remember that while the vaccine is very safe, any new or concerning symptoms following vaccination should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. The warning you received about jaundice or significant appetite reduction is a standard precaution, and it is wise to be vigilant about these symptoms.

If your baby continues to show signs of decreased appetite, persistent vomiting, or any other concerning symptoms, it would be prudent to seek a second opinion or return to your pediatrician for further evaluation. They may consider additional tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could be contributing to her symptoms.

In summary, while the Hepatitis B vaccine is generally safe and effective, any significant changes in your baby's health following vaccination should be taken seriously. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and advocate for your child's health. If symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Your vigilance as a parent is key to ensuring your baby's well-being.

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