If your child is moderately to severely ill, wait until she recovers before taking her in for the hepatitis B vaccine. About 3 percent of children develop pain and tenderness at the site of the shot, and 1 percent have a low-grade fever. An estimated one in 600,000 children will have a serious allergic reaction involving swelling of the mouth, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and shock. These symptoms may be frightening, but no one has ever died from an allergic reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine. Despite persistent rumors to the contrary, there is as yet no evidence linking the hepatitis B vaccine to hair loss and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
Several studies are currently underway to determine any possible association.
Elizabeth Haiken is a medical writer in Northern California. Share your concerns about immunizations with other parents on our vaccination issues bulletin board . Read all comments. Add a comment or read what other parents say. Click to get free Charmin materials today.