hepatitis b shot mix up

student4ever · Mar 20, 2006

I was recently getting my hepatitis b shot series and when I took my 2nd shot, it was only 2 weeks from the 1st one. I know the 1st and 2nd are supposed to be at least a month in between. If it was only 2 weeks, is it going to be an invalid shot? Do I need to re-start my shot series? Is that ok? I am trying to get all my immunizations done because I recently got accepted to nursing school. What are my options? HELP ME PLEASE!
Carrie

Unfortunately, I do not know the answer to your question, but thought I'd respond to give you some tips. First off, you might want to post this question in a general nursing discussion forum to get more answers. Second, did the same provider give you both the shots? Because if they did, they HOPEFULLY wouldn't have done so if it would be invalid - but what do I know, they could have made an error. Good luck to you! I'm still waiting for my letter of acceptance!

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 20, 2006

Moved to the General Nursing forum.

RNin2007 · Mar 20, 2006

Not sure why they would have done those two so close together. Hmmm. I would call where you had them done and inquire. Don't feel bad, I didn't have my series started when I got my acceptance letter and went into a panic. They said just as long as I had the series started before I went into clinicals, that was fine. Not that I can speak for all schools, but I am sure this isn't the first time they have encountered this. Imagine the hassle if they had to go back and reselect people for everyone who didn't have their Hep B series completed?? ...that would be insane! lol. I wouldn't worry about it...but for peace of mind you could call and check.

~J

Fiona59 · Mar 20, 2006

It won't invalidate the original shot. Just stick to the time table for the third and final injection. Follow up with blood work to see if you have developed immunity. I've met people who stuck to the schedule and found they were not immune and had to repeat the cycle.

Newbie Nurse SMP · Mar 20, 2006

Hi,

Is it true that you only have to get the Hep B series once in your life and our done? I went to my PCP this weekend to get all the shots for the nursing program. and he told me that Hep B is once and your done. I didn't know that! I was really excited as I do not like receiving shots too much lol!

Fiona59 · Mar 20, 2006

After the third shot get your titres drawn. Only then will you know if you have immunity!

MIA-RN1, RN · Mar 20, 2006

After the third shot get your titres drawn. Only then will you know if you have immunity!

Not to pull too far in another direction but what does it mean when your immunity titer comes back 'indeterminate"? Mine did and they say I have to get a booster and repeat titer six weeks later. Has anyone had that happen?