So what do you do?

hikernurse · Apr 4, 2008

Check with your school. A lot of schools are fine if you have started the series, as long as you complete it on time.

Most schools have the requirements because the clinical facilities require them. It might not be such a big deal the first semester anyway.

Congratulations on your new blessing .

revere308 · Apr 4, 2008

Im not sure how your college works but for mine I just had to start the series. I would call your dean (or someone in charge) of your nursing program and ask if it needs to just be started or if it has to be complete and you situation and what to do. I'm sure there is something that can be done to allow you to start school... now take a deep breath! Enjoy nursing school! Its a long road, but oh so worth it in the end!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2008

Also, you can go to your primary care physician or public health clinic to have a Hepatitis B titer drawn. They'll simply draw a small amount of your blood and test it to see if you already have some immunity to Hepatitis B (many people in society do). My school accepted a recent titer in place of the 3-shot vaccination series.

toonces73 · Apr 6, 2008

I talked to the director and she said I can get a doctor's note and then sign a school waiver. I wish they would have told me this from the beginning. Thanks for all of the ideas.

kittyn, MSN, NP · Apr 6, 2008

Also, you can go to your primary care physician or public health clinic to have a Hepatitis B titer drawn. They'll simply draw a small amount of your blood and test it to see if you already have some immunity to Hepatitis B (many people in society do). My school accepted a recent titer in place of the 3-shot vaccination series.

Is it cheaper to get the titer done?

talaxandra · Apr 6, 2008

Yes, but only if you have an acceptable titre. Otherwise you pay the cost of the test plus the cost of the Hep B course.

ready4crna? · Apr 6, 2008

I think this was discussed elsewhere, but I really have no idea why providers are reluctant to give the Hep B vaccine to parturients- My guess is ignorance, but I will withhold judgement until I actually talk to these "providers".

CDC recommendation from the website (http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DISEASES/HEPATITIS/b/faqb.htm ):

"Can hepatitis B vaccine be given during pregnancy or lactation?

Yes. Hepatitis B vaccine contains no live virus, so neither pregnancy nor lactation should be considered a contraindication to vaccination of women. On the basis of limited experience, there is no apparent risk of adverse effects to developing fetuses when hepatitis B vaccine is administered to pregnant women. Meanwhile, new HBV infection in a pregnant woman might result in severe disease for the mother and chronic infection for the newborn."

As you are a future nurse, please start to educate yourself and those around you as to the facts- never take anyone's word on anything- verify it yourself. You will find that many decisions in healthcare are not based in evidence, but in "common practice" and "CYA" that are not in the best interest of the patients.

Having worked NICU and having to take care of Hep B babies- Please get vaccinated!!!

If you are concerned about teratogenesis, wait for the 3rd trimester to start just to give you peace of mind.

If you go the titer route and are negative, then print out the CDC recommendations and ask exactly why you can't have the series. I think you will be surprised at the response.

toonces73 · Apr 7, 2008

I think this was discussed elsewhere, but I really have no idea why providers are reluctant to give the Hep B vaccine to parturients- My guess is ignorance, but I will withhold judgement until I actually talk to these "providers".
CDC recommendation from the website (http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DISEASES/HEPATITIS/b/faqb.htm ):
"Can hepatitis B vaccine be given during pregnancy or lactation?
Yes. Hepatitis B vaccine contains no live virus, so neither pregnancy nor lactation should be considered a contraindication to vaccination of women. On the basis of limited experience, there is no apparent risk of adverse effects to developing fetuses when hepatitis B vaccine is administered to pregnant women. Meanwhile, new HBV infection in a pregnant woman might result in severe disease for the mother and chronic infection for the newborn."
As you are a future nurse, please start to educate yourself and those around you as to the facts- never take anyone's word on anything- verify it yourself. You will find that many decisions in healthcare are not based in evidence, but in "common practice" and "CYA" that are not in the best interest of the patients.
Having worked NICU and having to take care of Hep B babies- Please get vaccinated!!!
If you are concerned about teratogenesis, wait for the 3rd trimester to start just to give you peace of mind.
If you go the titer route and are negative, then print out the CDC recommendations and ask exactly why you can't have the series. I think you will be surprised at the response.

I had done my research and knew what the CDC had to say about pregnancy and Hep B vaccine. That is why I was so surprised when no one would give it to me...again even the school didn't want the liability. I am guessing lawyers and insurance are the culprits. I will start the series soon after the baby is born. I will have 2 shots completed before starting clinicals.

Thanks for your input!

rgrgray · Apr 7, 2008

Talk to your school. I dont even think they start clinicals till late in the semester. You should be okay. I would deft. call and speak to them.

smilesalot · Apr 9, 2008

hello toonces!

i was in the same position as you are last summer. i found out i was pregnant and i have two more shots left and my doc would not give it to me even though i told him about the CDC recommendations...so i had to stop for a 2 sems, i had the baby last feb 27 and i am now going to start another series because im starting this fall....

anyway just wanted to share my story..goodluck to you!

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2008

get a doctors note.

i have a problem. i have been accepted to nursing school. the school requires a hep b shot. no one will give me the hep b shot (including the college) because i am pregnant. i do not have enough time after the baby is born and when school starts to complete all shots. what do i do??? this really stinks. any ideas?