Hep B vaccine ??

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2006

Many schools require it. Other schools allow you to sign a waiver that you understand the risks of not getting the vacine but choose not to. Ask your school. Good luck.

suebird3 · Jun 21, 2006

moved to a forum where you can get more responses.

suebird :)

mommyballard · Jun 21, 2006

the school i go to requires a hep B vaccine and I got mine today they're ok they leave you with mild discomfort in the arm but nothing major and plus it protects you from getting hepatitis B so i recommend getting it

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

I understand many of the reasons why someone might not want to take the vaccine, however, I have seen a couple of colleagues who got Hep B from exposure to contaminated blood of patients. Hep B is more prevalent than AIDS among the population engaged in many of the risky social behaviors--many of whom are frequent patients of the healthcare system. You don't want to take the chance of becoming a statistic. It only takes a second to receive a needle stick no matter how many precautions you take. I was harpooned with a needle on a syringe filled with blood through no fault of my own by someone holding a syringe who wasn't paying attention as she walked right into me as I was minding my own business starting an IV on someone--never saw her coming. Years ago in a freak accident before the newer needle protection systems, I had a syringe fall from my hands, bounce on the top of the medicine cart, fly up and the needle make a through and through entry and exit into the fleshy part of one of my index fingers while I was attempting to re-cap it. Didn't plan that or see it coming either. Those are just two of the memorable sticks. There were plenty of "little" ones similar to getting pricked by a sewing needle that I wouldn't even sneeze at. None were ever deliberate, some were carelessness, but they all happened so quickly that they were over before there was a chance to protect myself. Hep B is a nasty disease. IF--IF you survive it, your life will never be the same. Take the vaccine. It's usually free to healthcare workers and students in the healthcare careers.

valifay · Jun 21, 2006

The school I want to go to requires it, which I thought was a little odd given most employers have you sign a waicer if you don't want it. But, IMO, its better to be prtected.

Nurse-To-Be-Joy · Jun 21, 2006

It's very strongly recommended at my school, so I'm getting it. I understand the possible risk of transmission. I don't want the disease. I'd say, protect yourself, even if your school does not require this vaccine.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jun 21, 2006

Here is a good link about HepB:

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/pink/hepb.pdf

Thankfully 95% of adults fully recover from HepB (50% having no symptoms at all) and then have life long immunity.

It is the 5% who become chronic and risk liver damage/cancer. Approx 25% of those who are chronic go on to have liver cancer.

I think it is always best to educate yourself about the disease first and also the vaccine and weigh the pros and cons and your risk factors.

Cait06 · Jul 12, 2006

Interesting...my school doesn't require it either..but it highly recommends it.

TSB_nurse · Jul 12, 2006

its for your protection...

remember you should love yourself before others.. means above all think for your safety... and vaccination is for your safety.