Scared of Hep B vaccine

[LPN2639]

I am scared to death to take the Hep B vaccine. But I am a new nurse and I start my job in a LTC facility tomorrow. I know and I have read all the good things about it, even talked to my doc about being afraid and he reassured me. BUT I am having major panic attacks tonight as I have to take it tomorrow. Major panic attacks...palpitations, SOB, etc. Can you all reassure me even more? Do you know anyone that the vaccine affected badly...made really really sick. SHould I take acetaminophen 30 mins before the injection?

I am scared to death.

Laurie, LPN

[adrienurse, LPN]

I got mine in 94. I don't remember a single adverse effect. I've never heard of anyone who has either.

[whipping girl in 07, RN]

Got mine in late 95/early 96. I remember being sore for a day after one of the shots. Definitely get them! I told my husband he needs to get them because he stays in so many hotels. Hep B virus can live on a DRY surface for 7 days!

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

I had mine and my kids had theirs. We had no problems. I too give 'em to teeny tineys and they never complained.

[CATHYW]

9 Times! 9 times! That is how many hep vax's I've had, and I never converted. I also have never had side effect one. I'm sure by now that you know you're going to be okay. Good luck, from one Georgian to another! Remember-next one 6 weeks from the first, 3rd one 6 mos. from the first!

[OzNurse69]

I had mine in '89-'90, and from memory didn't have any significant side effects. My titre's still show up as off the scale (ie so many antibodies they can't actually count them!!) so my GP reckons I'll never have to have a booster. Talk about lucky!!

[deespoohbear]

My only complaint was my sore arm. My arm was sorer with the 2nd injection than the 1st or 3rd. Otherwise, no problem. Lot more harm could come from not having it than having it.

[psychonurse]

I had no reaction to the injections and I went through the series twice and I still don't have a titer. But I would much rather have the injections than not especially working in corrections. I don't know whether the shots will do anything for me but I always use universal precautions and we were doing that a long time before hospital nurses were doing that. In fact there have been times the last couple of times that I have been in the hospital and they have been drawing my blood or starting an IV and they haven't worn gloves.....I couldn't quite believe that in this time and place.

[BBnurse34]

get the injection in the hiney to avoid having a stiff arm

[Tassie Nurse]

While working in infection control it was my job to immunise all staff. I cant for the life of me think how many but I filled six large binders (1 page per person) no ill effects were suffered by anyone. The worst thing that happened to anyone was that they didnt sero-convert. It is well worth the effort for the piece of mind it will give you

Tassie Nurse