Starting Clinicals, Hepatitis B Vaccine question

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Specializes in Oncology/Geriatrics/Holistic.

Hello all,

I am beginning my clinicals in January of 2011. I just received my physical today and was presented with the option of the Hepatitis B vaccine. I did some research and found some compelling evidence against taking the series. I would appreciate any and all thoughts on this subject.

Thank you.

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Specializes in CNA.
Hello all,

I am beginning my clinicals in January of 2011. I just received my physical today and was presented with the option of the Hepatitis B vaccine. I did some research and found some compelling evidence against taking the series. I would appreciate any and all thoughts on this subject.

Thank you.

What constitutes "compelling evidence"? Peer reviewed journals? Jenny McCarthy?

It makes a difference.

My advice would be to study the history of vaccines and their effect on humanity, then go get your shots. Think about it, if there actually was compelling evidence against getting vaccinated, you would not even be presented the option.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

My view is that vaccines have helped humanity tremendously and I get all the ones I can. Most of the diseases vaccines prevent are just awful. There are a number of threads on this site on this subject which represent every possible viewpoint. People will believe what they want to hear. Just stick to reputable information sources.

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There is also compelling evidence that you will be exposed to it at a much higher rate as a health care worker.

The bottom line is that it's a risk - benefit decision. YOUR decision. I can tell you that I didn't even blink when asked, I just pulled up my sleeve. I have kids at home and a husband. I don't just protect myself for my own sake.

Good luck deciding.

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I would definately go and get it! The nursing program that I am going through REQUIRES all 3 in the series...there are always a chance for adverse effects with any drug, but if it has been required and given to babies, I am pretty sure it would be safe to go ahead and get!

Good luck in clinicals! I think you'll really enjoy them! I know I do!

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Specializes in Oncology/Geriatrics/Holistic.

Thank you for all of your comments.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I'm not going to try and persuade you one way or the other. I encourage you to do thorough research from reputable sources and then speak to your own healthcare provider.

Some schools/clinical sites/employers will allow you to sign a waiver, indicating that you choose to release them from liability should you contract Hepatitis B from an exposure. Others will simply not allow you to participate in patient care unless you have the series. While you may not have to have the series to begin your clinical studies, please be aware that may change as you progress thru your program and seek employment.

FWIW, I have vaccinated hundreds of people from infants thru adulthood against Hepatitis B and have never had a patient report any negative side effects other than temporary soreness. It tends to be a well-tolerated vaccine.

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Specializes in Infusion.

In my program if you don't get the vaccinations, you don't need to bother with going to clinicals and passing the class. Last year, I did hours and hours of research on vaccinations for a writing class and found lots of good information at the college's library. Maybe you should check out a couple of books. Paul Offit, MD has studied and written on the subject and is a good resource. Most people who question vaccines are parents of small children and tend to find a lot of junk science supporting their beliefs online. As a country, we have become a little lax on keeping up with vaccinations and getting booster shots. Little newborns getting whooping cough (pertussis) is a good example of what happens when those of us taking care of the very vulnerable decide not to get our shots or keep up with the boosters. Okay, off my soapbox.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

In my school there is only two reason you can proceed to clinicals without the 3 shot Hep B series: 1. medically contraindicated (there are very few contraindications to the current Hep B vaccine since it is not a live virus, there are more contraindications to the flu shot than Hep B), 2. you have the first 2 shots but it's too soon to get the 3rd shot.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
In my school there is only two reason you can proceed to clinicals without the 3 shot Hep B series: 1. medically contraindicated (there are very few contraindications to the current Hep B vaccine since it is not a live virus, there are more contraindications to the flu shot than Hep B), 2. you have the first 2 shots but it's too soon to get the 3rd shot.

Same at my school. I have to have titers drawn since I had the series about 15 years ago.

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Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.

Most nursing schools will require you to get the vaccine before you can do clinicals. When you are trying to decide, you have to weigh benefits vs risks. You are choosing to go into a profession which puts you at higher risk for exposure.Is it worth it to you to risk getting Hep B? As others have suggested, be sure you are looking at reputable sources as you do research to make your decision. There are still those who sell "snake oil." With the internet, they can do it to the masses. You would not want my advice when designing a house; I am a nurse, not an architect. Don't accept everything you read. Look at the source to determine the reliability of the information.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, ER.

Keep it simple:

1) What are the odds of being exposed to Hepatitis B in the workplace?

What are the odds of having a complication from the vaccination?

I did my maternal/child paper on the MMR vaccination scare. Research Andrew Wakefield, The Lancet, and the MMR vaccination. Yes, The Lancet medical journal retracted his journal article. And yes, Wakefield was trying to come out with his own vaccination-->for measles. Wouldn't it have been great for him to have the MMR triple vaccination discontinued? Then read Roald Dahl (author of The BFG, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and how he lost his daughter to measles, and his words pleading parents to get the MMR vaccination for their children here: Roald Dahl on vaccinating your kids - Boing Boing

Don't even get me started on Jenny McCarthy. Her son "got" autism from the MMR vaccination. But now he's cured. It's a miracle!!

I, too, am getting off my soapbox. This whole topic just grinds my gears!! :)

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