Hepatitis B Vaccine Safe?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Simulation.

I am starting nursing school this fall and I need to decide whether or not to get the hepatitis b vaccine. I have been reading a lot about it and there is so much conflicting information. I wanted to know what people think about the vaccine and whether or not you have had it.

Thanks

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Most hospitals will require you get it to work there I believe. My nursing school actually would not let you stay in the program without it. I already was vaccinated as are both my small children.

I am starting nursing school this fall and I need to decide whether or not to get the hepatitis b vaccine. I have been reading a lot about it and there is so much conflicting information. I wanted to know what people think about the vaccine and whether or not you have had it.

Thanks

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I had the Hep B round...no negative reactions, problems, or concerns! I also start NS this fall...GL to you!

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Specializes in Simulation.

We can sign a waiver if we don't want it.

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Recombivax HB, Engerix B and Comvax are all Thimerosal free (since 2007 for Engerix), so no "Mercury Poisoning" worries unless receiving Twinrix.

The vast majority of people experience very little in the way of anything other than 'mild discomfort' and possibly fatigue, and this is temporary. Problems from infection later (or even just the worry of infection) through accidental exposure could be a lot worse.

You can can scare and/or amuse yourself with a list of side effects here...

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/hepatitis-b-vaccine-side-effects.html

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Specializes in Near Future: ED, Future Future: ACNP!.

I am currently going through the series, have had 2 of the 3 with no problems. At my school we can sign a waiver too, but if the site of clinical practice requires it and we don't have it, we don't get credit and can't complete the program...

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

all I can say is forget AIDS... it's a fragile virus that lasts seconds on surfaces.. hepatitis B... lasts forever, on walls, light plates, computers, the door handles... it is a very verulent virus, a strong one that kills, a nasty death. I happily got my vaccine and get titers every year, this disease is what you need to fear... it is a killer of nurses.

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Specializes in PACU, ED.

I've had the full course and developed a strong positive titer. I've had no ill effects.

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You know people have been getting Hep vaccines since mid 1980s. I do not know that anyone had any serious effects or long term effects from it. I can't imagine what kind of negative things you are reading but perhaps there are some side effects of which I have not heard. I do believe they give them routinely to infants now. In 1983 when I was a new RN a friend got Hep B from a patient. She was so very ill. When the vaccine came out shortly there after I was first in line for it. PS I consulted with my old micro professor at the time and she said get it for sure.

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Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.
all I can say is forget AIDS... it's a fragile virus that lasts seconds on surfaces.. hepatitis B... lasts forever, on walls, light plates, computers, the door handles... it is a very verulent virus, a strong one that kills, a nasty death. I happily got my vaccine and get titers every year, this disease is what you need to fear... it is a killer of nurses.

Thank you so much for this.... its exactly what I tell my patients!!! (well not forget AIDS, I know what you mean, but I just tell my patients the difference in the viruses :))

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Specializes in Simulation.

apparently the hepatitis b vaccine has been linked to immunological and neurological disorders, especially ms. which makes me pretty nervous.

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Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.
apparently the hepatitis b vaccine has been linked to immunological and neurological disorders, especially ms. which makes me pretty nervous.

i'm sorry, but where did you get this information from? please... i'd like to know the source so i can check this out, i have never heard of such a thing (not from reliable sources at least) and i have been giving this vaccine, and even had this vaccine (entire series x2) and know many many many people who have been vaccinated by this vaccine and not one single person has even had an adverse reaction.

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