Published
my original series of vaccinations was just after they came out...trying to remember when that was, i'm thinking 1984?? i had a blood check some years ago, and did not have immunity, so had the series repeated. the original vaccine was a bit different from what it is now; also, there may be a need for occasional boosters to maintain immunity. i remember thinking long and hard about whether or not to get it when i first got the series, wondering if it was safe or not...but the 2nd time there was no hesitation for me at all. in our line of work, with exposures multiple, i want to protect myself as much as possible.
Hepatitis B is a disease to which health care workers experience regular exposure. If one contracts hepatitis B, the likelihood of serious health consequences is relatively high. The vaccine is generally well-tolerated by children and adults alike without significant side-effects. Given these risks/benefits, it is my conclusion that this vaccine series is worthwhile for health care workers. I have gotten it myself and would recommend the same for other nurses unless they have some contraindication to the vaccine.
They have been giving this vaccine for quite a number of years and to the members of the military long before it was available to the general public.
I had no side effects from this vaccine whatsoever, and it sure beat the heck out of the risks from not having it.
Also, I read about two months ago (can't remember the website) where a nurse that had contracted Hep B, presumably at work (which is something else that is hard to prove) was denied workman's comp benefits and employer-paid medical expenses because she waived her right to the vaccine.
She sued and lost because the court said when you waive your right to take it, you assume the risk. Thus, the purpose of the waiver.
Everything is all fine and dandy....unless you contract it.
There are several vaccines that I would refuse to take, simply because they are too new, however Hep B isn't one of them.
alyx
64 Posts
Did you get it? We are now required to get the Hep.B vaccine before our final clinical orientaion or document why we refuse. I have researched this vaccine and am at odds as to whether or not it's really needed, safe, or effective. I'm leaning towrds refusing it. Wondering what everyone thinks about this and if you have recieved this vaccine?
Thanks everyone for your time!
Alyx