Two Full Series of Hepatitis B Vaccine and I still have no antibodies!!!?!
Question: Two Full Series of Hepatitis B Vaccine and I still have no antibodies!!!.?
I am currently a Respiratory Therapy Student. I have had two complete series of Hepatitis B, so a total of 6 shots now and I still do not have the antibodies to become immune to it. What does this mean for me.? Is it rare to not form antibodies to this vaccine.? When I am finished with school will it be more difficult to find work because I do not have the immunity to it. My doctor is writing out an exception for me telling my program director about the complications. So I am not worried about doing my clinicals. But in the long run I am worried about what can happen.
AND no... I do not have Hepatitis B either.Health Question & Answer
AND no... I do not have Hepatitis B either.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
This is a common situation.
Published studies show this to be the case in roughly 13% of those vaccinated in the USA. see reference
So when we vaccinate people , we expect about 13% of those people to be "nonresponders" like you. After 2 complete series of vaccines and no response, here is what you do:
1. remember that you are a nonresponder.
2. take special care with needles and sharps -- the only way you can get HBV in the hospital is if you get a needlstick injury -- if you never get stuck, then HBV is totally irrelevant, even if you are a nonresponder.
3. realize that IF you ever do have a stick with an HBV-contaminated needle, that there is preventative treatment available - RIGHT AWAY report to employee health. They would give you a shot of HBV Immune globulin, two separate doses one month apart, in order to prevent you from becoming infected.
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This is nothing to worry about at all -- and of course would never be considered when you are being hired somewhere. You need to throw out that idea - it just is irrelevant to whether you can find a job or not.
Remember that as an RT, you are at VERY LOW risk of needlestick injuries -- because the only time you'll be handling needles is when you're doing ABGs -- just be very careful at those times.Health Question & Answer
Published studies show this to be the case in roughly 13% of those vaccinated in the USA. see reference
So when we vaccinate people , we expect about 13% of those people to be "nonresponders" like you. After 2 complete series of vaccines and no response, here is what you do:
1. remember that you are a nonresponder.
2. take special care with needles and sharps -- the only way you can get HBV in the hospital is if you get a needlstick injury -- if you never get stuck, then HBV is totally irrelevant, even if you are a nonresponder.
3. realize that IF you ever do have a stick with an HBV-contaminated needle, that there is preventative treatment available - RIGHT AWAY report to employee health. They would give you a shot of HBV Immune globulin, two separate doses one month apart, in order to prevent you from becoming infected.
.
This is nothing to worry about at all -- and of course would never be considered when you are being hired somewhere. You need to throw out that idea - it just is irrelevant to whether you can find a job or not.
Remember that as an RT, you are at VERY LOW risk of needlestick injuries -- because the only time you'll be handling needles is when you're doing ABGs -- just be very careful at those times.Health Question & Answer
That's how come there are 3 full series of shots. You are on your second series. One more to go.
Health Question & Answer
Health Question & Answer