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So what do you do?



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Apr 04, 2008 12:40 PM

So what do you do?


I have a problem. I have been accepted to nursing school. The school requires a Hep B shot. No one will give me the Hep B shot (including the college) because I am pregnant. I do not have enough time after the baby is born and when school starts to complete all shots. What do I do??? This really stinks. Any ideas?


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11 Comments
No. 1
from hikernurse
Old Apr 04, 2008, 12:47 PM

Default Re: So what do you do?
Check with your school. A lot of schools are fine if you have started the series, as long as you complete it on time.

Most schools have the requirements because the clinical facilities require them. It might not be such a big deal the first semester anyway.

Congratulations on your new blessing .
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No. 2
from revere308
Old Apr 04, 2008, 05:20 PM

Default Re: So what do you do?
Im not sure how your college works but for mine I just had to start the series. I would call your dean (or someone in charge) of your nursing program and ask if it needs to just be started or if it has to be complete and you situation and what to do. I'm sure there is something that can be done to allow you to start school... now take a deep breath! Enjoy nursing school! Its a long road, but oh so worth it in the end!
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No. 3
Old Apr 05, 2008, 12:54 PM

Default Re: So what do you do?
Also, you can go to your primary care physician or public health clinic to have a Hepatitis B titer drawn. They'll simply draw a small amount of your blood and test it to see if you already have some immunity to Hepatitis B (many people in society do). My school accepted a recent titer in place of the 3-shot vaccination series.
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No. 4
from toonces73
Old Apr 06, 2008, 01:35 PM

Default Re: So what do you do?
I talked to the director and she said I can get a doctor's note and then sign a school waiver. I wish they would have told me this from the beginning. Thanks for all of the ideas.
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No. 5
from kittyn
Old Apr 06, 2008, 02:17 PM

Default Re: So what do you do?
Originally Posted by TheCommuter View Post
Also, you can go to your primary care physician or public health clinic to have a Hepatitis B titer drawn. They'll simply draw a small amount of your blood and test it to see if you already have some immunity to Hepatitis B (many people in society do). My school accepted a recent titer in place of the 3-shot vaccination series.
Is it cheaper to get the titer done?
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No. 6
from talaxandra
Old Apr 06, 2008, 02:33 PM

Default Re: So what do you do?
Yes, but only if you have an acceptable titre. Otherwise you pay the cost of the test plus the cost of the Hep B course.
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No. 7
Old Apr 06, 2008, 04:59 PM
Updated Apr 06, 2008 at 05:03 PM by ready4crna?

Default Re: So what do you do?
I think this was discussed elsewhere, but I really have no idea why providers are reluctant to give the Hep B vaccine to parturients- My guess is ignorance, but I will withhold judgement until I actually talk to these "providers".
CDC recommendation from the website (http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DISEASES/HEPATITIS/b/faqb.htm ):

"Can hepatitis B vaccine be given during pregnancy or lactation?
Yes. Hepatitis B vaccine contains no live virus, so neither pregnancy nor lactation should be considered a contraindication to vaccination of women. On the basis of limited experience, there is no apparent risk of adverse effects to developing fetuses when hepatitis B vaccine is administered to pregnant women. Meanwhile, new HBV infection in a pregnant woman might result in severe disease for the mother and chronic infection for the newborn."

As you are a future nurse, please start to educate yourself and those around you as to the facts- never take anyone's word on anything- verify it yourself. You will find that many decisions in healthcare are not based in evidence, but in "common practice" and "CYA" that are not in the best interest of the patients.
Having worked NICU and having to take care of Hep B babies- Please get vaccinated!!!

If you are concerned about teratogenesis, wait for the 3rd trimester to start just to give you peace of mind.
If you go the titer route and are negative, then print out the CDC recommendations and ask exactly why you can't have the series. I think you will be surprised at the response.
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No. 8
from toonces73
Old Apr 07, 2008, 08:21 AM

Default Re: So what do you do?
Originally Posted by ready4crna? View Post
I think this was discussed elsewhere, but I really have no idea why providers are reluctant to give the Hep B vaccine to parturients- My guess is ignorance, but I will withhold judgement until I actually talk to these "providers".
CDC recommendation from the website (http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DISEASES/HEPATITIS/b/faqb.htm ):

"Can hepatitis B vaccine be given during pregnancy or lactation?
Yes. Hepatitis B vaccine contains no live virus, so neither pregnancy nor lactation should be considered a contraindication to vaccination of women. On the basis of limited experience, there is no apparent risk of adverse effects to developing fetuses when hepatitis B vaccine is administered to pregnant women. Meanwhile, new HBV infection in a pregnant woman might result in severe disease for the mother and chronic infection for the newborn."

As you are a future nurse, please start to educate yourself and those around you as to the facts- never take anyone's word on anything- verify it yourself. You will find that many decisions in healthcare are not based in evidence, but in "common practice" and "CYA" that are not in the best interest of the patients.
Having worked NICU and having to take care of Hep B babies- Please get vaccinated!!!

If you are concerned about teratogenesis, wait for the 3rd trimester to start just to give you peace of mind.
If you go the titer route and are negative, then print out the CDC recommendations and ask exactly why you can't have the series. I think you will be surprised at the response.

I had done my research and knew what the CDC had to say about pregnancy and Hep B vaccine. That is why I was so surprised when no one would give it to me...again even the school didn't want the liability. I am guessing lawyers and insurance are the culprits. I will start the series soon after the baby is born. I will have 2 shots completed before starting clinicals.

Thanks for your input!
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No. 9
from rgrgray
Old Apr 07, 2008, 02:27 PM

Default Re: So what do you do?
Talk to your school. I dont even think they start clinicals till late in the semester. You should be okay. I would deft. call and speak to them.
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