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Warning-sign checks

Hepatitis A vaccine - what you need to know: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, collapse, severe weakness, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Ask promptly for advice if you were recently exposed to hepatitis A.

    Post-exposure treatment is time-sensitive and is most useful when arranged soon after contact.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for any severe or rapidly worsening symptom.

    Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or seriously unwell.

The article also says

Contact your healthcare team routinely if side effects are not improving after a few days, the injection-site redness or swelling continues to spread, or you are unsure when your next dose is due.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hepatitis A vaccine - what you need to know. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.