chickenpox and hep B

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics, DD, Peri-op.

I've got the chickenpox. I received the varicella vaccine a couple of weeks ago for school since I had no immunity to CP after a titer was drawn.

I received my first hep b shot a month ago. Second is due monday.

My questions for some of you are how long do I have to wait until I can get that second shot? And, how far can you wait in between the first and second hep b shot without have to start back over again?

I started the hep b series twice in my life, receiving 2 shots. I had a titer drawn in 99 or 00 and I was ok. I was getting the series again because of school and my job would pay for it. The problem is if I don't keep the hep b schedule then the job won't pay.

I do not have the money or insurance to go to the doctor. But, I am doing ok other than running a slight fever, feel bad, and itch like hell.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in midwifery, ophthalmics, general practice.

the rules on vaccines are a bit different over here............but we basically work on the principle that you never restart a course, rather you complete it regardless of the elapsed time period. (this is were I get jumped on by all my american friends!!)

the hep course here is 1st dose day one, second 1 month later, 3rd 6 months after first. check antibodies at 6mths. an accelerated course can be given but thats not what you are asking? (and it depends on the vaccine used..)

the feeling here is that a single booster at 5yrs may be sufficient to maintain immunity.. and I am still immune 16 yrs after my intial course. my antibodies were checked 3 mths ago and Im fine!

good luck.

Karen

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The second shot can be given one or 2 months after the first. You get a better response if it is one month. The studies I did when I was infection control nurse stated the the series could also be completed over an 18 month period. If you have a titer drawn and if shows the response I wouldn't worry about it. While most show a response after the series of three, there are some who require more. I had to have 5 :uhoh21:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, DD, Peri-op.

Thanks you guys.

I broke down yesterday and went to see doc. I woke up with a massive headache and my knee hurting badly. I was worried about meningitis but doc said that I did not have that.

He also told me that if I'm a week late for the hep b injection that it would be ok.

This darn chicken pox sure has kicked my butt though. I feel better now (was down for 3 days and I am extremely healthy) but it does itch massively.

What kind of luck would I have if it weren't for bad luck? :chuckle

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would call the health department, your infection control nurse and look up info on the CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov). I know that the HBV vaccine uses recombinant DNA, but I would worry that the pox lesions are "weak" areas that could create problems if another virulent virus was introduced. Maybe I am way off base, but please check this out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in midwifery, ophthalmics, general practice.

Hep B is an inactivated virus... so shouldnt cause any problems. anyway.. if you lived here, I would say you have had a full course of hep B already! if you are over 40 remember that you may not sero-convert. cant remember the percentage of over 40's who never sero-convert but think its about 40%??? if you have 5 doses and fail to sero-convert, we dont give any more vaccine and say you are a non-responder.

But you lot do things totally differently from us and panic a lot quicker!!

Karen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion