Whom is informed first the patient or the Health Dept.

[jessy1219]

I would like to know after blood tests come back positive for hepatitis B does your doctor tell you first or does he contact the health department and have them tell you?
Thanks,

[Aimee2050]

Maybe you got it before you got vacinated. Did you check if you have hep b before getting the vacine? I got it when I was really young and didn't find out until recently which I live with hep b for over 30 yrs without knowing. My family are all clear, I really don't know how I got it. Could be dentist, taking other vacine shots from dirty needle or could be anything.

[Sharp7]

You can have Hep B despite vaccination if:
1. You had it all along, even before the vaccination, or
2. The vaccination was not effective in your case... happens in 5% of the cases.

If you don't think you were in risky situations since the late 90s, it's likely that you have had it for a long time, and did not know.

Get your family members tested too (parents, siblings)... maybe you got it from your parents.

[Sun_shine28]

do they have to contact the health department or is that up to us? and I wanted to know something. I was vaccinated in the late 90s and I tested positive in 2005 but I didn't find out until I went a specialist a week and a half ago. She retested and tested for liver enzimes. I'm still waiting on the results. How could I have gotten this? Also can you get it after being vaccinated?
thanks for your time.

[Aimee2050]

as far as I know, the doctor will tell you first, and he/she will ask you if it's ok to submit  your info to health department.