Should I get the Hep B vaccine?

Tony35NYC · Dec 2, 2004

I was under the impression that even if your titers were low that is was thought that if exposed, your body would boost your immunity to fight the infection. So, revaccination isn't necessary? Maybe that is "old school" thinking?

Its not old school thinking. Re-vaccination isn't necessary.

group_theory · Dec 2, 2004

The Hepatitis B virus is 100x more infectious than HIV.

References:

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00398

World Health Organization

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/

With regards to titers, what tests were done specifically?

The HBV vaccine is design to produce antibodies against Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). That is the protective antibody. There is another test for antibodies for Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg). Positive titers for HBcAg IgG indicates current or previous exposure to the active HBV (not the vaccine since vaccine does not contain HBcAg).

Another test is for the presence of Hepatitis B e-antigen. Presence of this e antigen indicate active disease and increase infectivity.

So if you have never had HBV before, but receive the vaccine series, you should be

+ HBsAg IgG

- HBcAg IgM

- HBcAg IgG

- HBeAg

yeepers · Dec 2, 2004

Interesting question :) I'm starting a program in Spring '05 and it is required for admission.

I'm always interested in how different the programs are - in terms of their requirements - across the US.

I got the first two of a series of 3 Twinrix (A & B together) and am now just waiting to get my final shot in about 6 months.

Lisa Michelle · Dec 3, 2004

Well, I got it and no side effects so far! Wasn't a painful shot, either.

jschut, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2004

I had to get it too....thank goodness it was offered by the place i worked, so it didn't cost me a dime!

Butch · Dec 3, 2004

The Tetorifice and Tuberculosis shots were required at my school, but it seems to me that the school is only looking out for our safety! I think that it's a good idea.

acgemt · Dec 3, 2004

I am very curious about the life of a vaccine in a person, and if they even take to begin with. I know I have had the Hep B vaccine as a child...and as a young adult...and each time they check my lab work, it shows up negative, and they ask me to get the shot again...maybe it will kick in next time. :rolleyes: In addition I received the pertussis vaccine as an infant, and low and behold I was stuck with it for nearly 5 months in high school...can people just not hold vaccines in their bodies??

Pattiecake · Dec 3, 2004

Question....
If you take the Hep B vaccine, will you lose immunuty over time? Reason I ask is in 92, the hospital I worked at offered Hep B. I took it. Now, I am doing my paperwork to start clinicals and my Dr ran a titer to verify immunity. She called me today to say the results were negative and I will need to repeat the vaccine. If this is the case, are there boosters you get every so often?
Thanks!

Whoa, think twice before you decide to repeat. DOH/CDC knows way more than the average MD about this topic. As a rule, although titre may be negative, immunity is still there.

Pat

Pattiecake · Dec 3, 2004

To start nursing school, I have to get a few vaccines, but hepatitis B is optional. Is it dangerous to get? I don't know much about it or its side effects so should I get the vaccine or decline it?

Lisa

As a nurse you will certainly be exposed to bloodborne pathogens on a daily basis. Aything you can do to protect yourself is to your advantage. Does't hurt any more than any old injection. I've never seen anyone have an adverse reaction to one, though I suppose anything is possible.

Best of luck to you in your chosen career.

Pat

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2004

With regards to titers, what tests were done specifically?

The HBV vaccine is design to produce antibodies against Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). That is the protective antibody. There is another test for antibodies for Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg). Positive titers for HBcAg IgG indicates current or previous exposure to the active HBV (not the vaccine since vaccine does not contain HBcAg).

Another test is for the presence of Hepatitis B e-antigen. Presence of this e antigen indicate active disease and increase infectivity.

So if you have never had HBV before, but receive the vaccine series, you should be

+ HBsAg IgG

- HBcAg IgM

- HBcAg IgG

- HBeAg

Hi, I just rec'd a copy of my lab report in the mail today from the titer, it says "Hepatitis B Surface Antibody QL Non-Reactive" ALong with a note from my Dr that says I did not mount an immune response and will need a repeat series. I go in on Monday afternoon to get another immunization and she said we will go ahead and start the series then. I am so confused!!!! I can sign a declination for the school, but my understanding is certain clinical sites will require it and I would be excluded. I guess when I get to the doc's we will have a talk abt this....

wishingmary · Dec 4, 2004

To start nursing school, I have to get a few vaccines, but hepatitis B is optional. Is it dangerous to get? I don't know much about it or its side effects so should I get the vaccine or decline it?

Check out the CDC website. I recommend anyone in health care get it. Since I've become a nurse, I see so many people with Hep B/C. It is prevalent and I'll be first in line when Hep C vaccine can be found and offered.

P. S. Got distracted during insulin administration a couple weeks ago, stuck myself right after giving it to a patient. She is low risk, but I milked that finger for all it was worth and washed it well in antibacterial soap. Results came back, I'm clean of hepatitis and Aids. I still have to be tested in 6 months. I am immune to Hep B thank God! The patient didn't have it or Hep C but certainly could have.

Another little tid bit and I know it will get me in trouble here but tattoos are a big red flag. In my state it is illegal to run a tattoo shop so that may be why when I see a tattoo on a patient, I find EVERYTIME they have at least Hep C. This is just my experience.