Hepatitis C Series

[islandgirl9965]

I had the series of shots for Hep C in 2003  the last one culminating in April. I am getting ready to work in a healthcare setting. Do i need to take these series of shots again? How long are these series of shots good for?

[jdwithhcv]

I'm not sure I understand your question.  Did you have Hep C and undergo treatment?  If so, did you achieve SVR?  If you treated and got SVR, then you are SVR unless and until you either relapse or are reinfected.

[islandgirl9965]

i m sorry, it was hep b series of shots that i got in 2003. just want to know if i m still immune and how long the series of shots last for.

[jdwithhcv]

I'm not sure how long the immunity from the Hep B vaccine is effective, but MedHelp has a Hep B forum and if you post your question there its likely you will get an answer.

[islandgirl9965]

thank you

[Bill1954]

I just checked on this recently, and the CDC suggests the HBV vaccine provides immunity for at least 20 years; provided that it ‘took’ to begin with. You might want to confirm the presence of protective antibodies per serology; especially considering you are actively working in health care. I believe the vaccine probably provides protection past this point, but it has only been in clinical use for about this long.

Bill

[Bill1954]

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5516a2.htm?s_cid=rr5516a2_e