Two types of hepatitis C vaccines have been developed, one to boost the immune response to an existing infection and the other to prevent infection. Side effects include pain and tenderness at the injection site, but more may be discovered as more people receive the vaccine. Allergic reactions are possible and can be severe.
As of 2010, there were two types of hepatitis vaccines tested and used on human subjects. Each works very differently, as the former is not a vaccine in the traditional sense. Rather than preventing a person from contracting the virus, it helps the body fight off an existing infection by boosting the immune response. Of those given both vaccines, the only reported hepatitis C vaccine side effects tend to be pain and tenderness at the injection site. That doesn’t mean that additional side effects won’t eventually be discovered, as the vaccine has only been given to a small number of people.
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes the liver to become inflamed and stop working properly. It is the deadliest of all forms of hepatitis, because no vaccine prevention method was available until recently. Two types of HCV vaccines have been developed and used in a small number of people. The hope is to eventually be able to make its use widespread.
The first type of vaccine is given after the virus has already taken hold. Patients are injected with a substance that helps boost the immune system’s response to the virus and helps improve liver function by clearing the virus from the liver faster. The second is very similar to any other vaccine in that it uses a dead or inactive version of the virus to induce an immune response. Once the immune system creates antibodies against the inactive virus, the body is able to fight off the real thing if it comes into contact with it.
Side effects of the hepatitis C vaccine have included pain and tenderness at the injection site. These are usually mild and last a day or less. Redness can also occur in some people. Because the side effects of the hepatitis C vaccine haven’t been extensively studied, it’s safe to assume that more symptoms will appear as more people get the vaccine. Common side effects that appear with most vaccines, including the hepatitis B and hepatitis A vaccines, include pain and swelling, low-grade fever, nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting. These are usually mild and the most serious only occur in a small number of people.
Other possible side effects of the hepatitis C vaccine include allergic reactions, although none have been reported as of 2010. These can range from mild to severe and can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, skin irritation or hives, dizziness, dryness of the jaws and shock. If any of these things happen and are serious, you should see a doctor right away. These are signs of anaphylactic shock and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
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