Did anyone here NOT get the HepB shot series?

[marilynmom]

I am just wondering. Please no arguments. For those out there who may be learly of certain vaccines what are your thoughts on the HepB shot for health care workers? I am not anti-vaccine, but I do research the side effects and look at the adverse reports concerning them before making my choice.

I have been reading a lot about the HepB shot and the many reported problems with it (autoimmune, etc) and right now am not sure what I want to do concerning this vaccine before I start nursing school.

https://www.nvic.org/Diseases/Hepatitis_B.htm

http://www.whale.to/vaccines/dunbar4.html

Of course I also don't want to get HepB either! Am I just being paranoid? Has anyone here had any bad reactions to the HepB vaccine?

Thanks :)

[limabean]

I did choose to receive the Hep B series before I became a nurse. I agree with another poster who said it hurt a lot more than some of the other vaccines I have received. Also I got a huge knot (about the size of a golf ball) underneath my skin which was red and hot to the touch and lasted about 1-2 weeks. They said this happens to some people. I did not have any other reactions to it. Also I am very grateful that I did receive the series b/c about 3 months ago I stuck myself with a needle of a patient that had Hep B. At the time we only knew she had Hepatitis of some kind. I was praying it wasnt Hep C. When they tested her they found that it was Hep B and I had previously been tested to make sure that the vaccine I received had been successful.

I'm glad you are researching this before you decide to get it. However, in our profession it is very easy to make stupid mistakes like I did (stuck myself with a Lovenox needle that had no safety feature when I was trying to put it into a full sharps box) when you are in a hurry. We are all human beings and make mistakes. Good luck to you!

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

Limabean, thanks for sharing your story. That is what scares me, I want to work in the ER and I imagine will see more than my share of infected blood.

My sister contracted HepB as a child (we have no idea how, but they say that 20-30% of those who contract it are in a low risk), and she is now a carrier so I do realize the reality of this disease and what it can do long term.

I will admit, I am not huge on vaccines; my children are only partially vax'ed (sorry a newborn born to a -hepB mother doesn't need the HepB vax), but I think I will go ahead and get this one for myself. I AM glad to see though, that I am not the only one who does question/reject certain vaccines for myself and my family :)

[yankeesrule]

I had the series in 94 and I dont recall any reactions or what not. I have not had my antibodies tested I am not sure when you do that for a boster. However, I will say I had the fluzone shot this past Decemeber and that hurt like a @#$#$ @$@#$@#.... My arm was sore for a week. or I am just a big baby. Good luck in your decision.

[lsyorke, RN]

Had the initial series.. testing for NO immunity 5 years later.. had a booster.. no immunity.... had another booster.. no immunity... not getting anymore!!

Learned alot about vaccines lately and wouldn't take it today if I hadn't had it before.

[ClaireMacl]

In the UK, we have no choice as to whether to have it or not! I have a friend, a very healthy guy thankfully, who's mum chose to give him no vaccinations during childhood... his first injection ever was the compulsory HepB and HEAF test for the BCG. I also have a work collegue who has had 8 HepB vaccinations (all compulsory) in the past three years who cannot meet the required titre... she is now excempt.

Personally, I'd like an exemption certificate to be available in the uk, I was fine when I had my HepB vac, but my flu vac's left me floored, I've found out since I probably have SLE... which makes sense.

Don't know what it's like in the US, but at the moment, the public in the UK are all but insisting that nurses are vaccinated against any communicable disease going (its not law yet, but I can see it coming!).

[cassilee30]

In the UK, we have no choice as to whether to have it or not!

I have a question on this. In the UK do patients have the right to refuse medical treatment? I see this as no different. I know you don't make the laws and I'm not trying to argue, I just see this as really strange.

And if someone had a bad or fatal reaction to the vaccine, is the government responsible (or your employer) for requiring you receive medical treatment?

I am forever greatful I was born in the USA. BTW, my husband was born and raised in Cambridge England.

Cassi

[xokelly2]

I had the series in 94 and I dont recall any reactions or what not. I have not had my antibodies tested I am not sure when you do that for a boster. However, I will say I had the fluzone shot this past Decemeber and that hurt like a @#$#$ @$@#$@#.... My arm was sore for a week. or I am just a big baby. Good luck in your decision.

Oh man....my flu shot hurt for a week, and I felt run down and kinda sick for a few days too, I remember this is why I refused the flu vac in the past and why i'll do it again next year! I am a big baby though. I received the Hep b Vacs about 10 years ago, then attempted to get a new set done and quit after the 1st shot and signed the refusal waiver. It got really sore and swollen as well. I was woozy trying to drive home. Yuck.....

[jodyangel, RN]

Well I just took a new job and the ONLY vaccine that showed that I didn't have any immunity was the Hep B. And, I did take the vaccines..probably about 10 years ago. I remember having a sore knot in my arm for a few weeks and it was sore and weak. So, I thought I would refuse to reimunize, but talked with a few nurses at work and they were "oooh you don't want to catch the disease, take them!".

Well after reading up on your posts, you have helped me decide that I'll take my chances. Working fulltime and feeling that ill? Nope! I also refuse the flu shot because the one time I took it I had flu symptoms for a few days. And seeing how I don't get sick period..why bother!!