I was hoping I could get some opinions on my concerns on this vaccine. I am currently taking pre-requisites to get into a nursing program. Over the past 6 months I have had bizarre medical issues that include numbness in hands and feet, weakness, fatigue, electric shock like sensations etc. I have seen a neurologist and rheumatologist. I am hoping to rule out MS, but we don't really know yet. The MRI looked pretty good, with no obvious lesions.. but there were a couple minor abnormalities. I have an app't at a MS center in the next couple months to get another opinion.
In the mean time I have realized that I need to get a hepatitis B series of vaccinations to be accepted into any nursing program. I am very conflicted over this. After doing some research online, I have found that there is some controversy over this vaccine. I know there were hearings on the safety of the vaccine at one point and rumors still persist that the vaccine has caused auto immune reactions in people, including people who feel they developed MS and lupus after receiving these (as well as many other disorders). I know there is no hard evidence/studies on this and the evidence is anecdotal... but there seems to be a lot of controvery on the internet.
Due to my current health problems, I am extremely concerned and do not want to get this vaccine... at least not until they have determined what is wrong with me. My primary care doctor will not write me a waiver to get out of taking the vaccine, even just for a year. She feels there is no proven evidence that shows this has caused any problem. I wonder how she would feel if she had my health problems?
Another huge concern of mine is that my husband and I want to get pregnant and because this vaccine has to be administered 3 times it would take almost 6 months to fulfill the requirements. I want to try to get pregnant very soon and just do not feel comfortable getting a live vaccine while pregnant... regardless of the fact that it is considered "safe" during pregnancy. I found more information on the internet by mothers who received the vaccine shortly before or during pregnancy and feel it is related to their child developing autism. I have found doctors that are also concerned.
Am I being overly paranoid here? I feel like my possibly career choice is on the line because of this issue and my anxiety over this. I don't think I could take the chance of getting the vaccine while pregnant and that will prevent me from getting into a nursing program. I also don't want to jeapordize my health situation since they don't know what is wrong with me.
buddiage
378 Posts
I thought you could refuse it, but you have to sign something that holds the school and hospitals harmless in the case you do get something.
I have two fellow students who had babies in the first month of nursing school. I just think, ugh, glad it's not me...that would be pretty difficult.