Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Important Information About Hep. B Vaccinations

A study published this month found that:

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that 4 years after HBV immunizations, more than 60% of vaccinated HCV patients did not maintain seroprotective levels of anti-HBs, which might put them at risk of clinically significant breakthrough infections. Further follow-up studies are required to clarify whether memory B and T lymphocytes can provide protection in chronic hepatitis C patients in the absence or inadequate titers of anti-HBs.

Here's the link:

<ahref="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15793867">Vaccination Study</a>

Susan
13 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I worried about that too--because I was exposed (blood splash to the eyes) during a period where I seemed to have no protective level.  I was told that "theoretically" my body would still mount an appropriate response.  They would not even revaccinate me at that time.  And here I am today, with good levels again.  

I don't worry about it much anymore.  I'm exposed to blood and body fluids every day.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Great clarification.  Thanks!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Tallblonde,
There are fluctuations in your levels of HepB antibodies after vaccinations.  I have been checked for HepB antibodies for various reasons over the past 5 years...sometimes I show a protective level, sometimes not.  According to our infectious disease dept (who cite CDC literature) levels wax and wane periodically--you are still considered protected if you have completed the series, even if your level at a random moment in time is not detected.  

I was negative a year ago, and despite not receiving a booster then, a test 2 weeks ago showed protective levels.  Levels do wax and wane.

HepB vaccinations have been in widespread use for more than 20 years. They are given to virtually all health care providers, and to the vast majority of infants born in the US.   If there are well controlled, reproducible studies linking it to MS, it would not be used.  From time to time, sensational news stories surface linking almost every vaccine and common medication to devastating disease.  Most are debunked eventually.

I believe it is safe and effective, and wise to receive if you are HCV positive.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for sharing....that's very interesting about the levels waxing and waning.  I wonder what happens, though, if you're exposed to the virus during a waning phase?  

Actually, I'm not too worried about this.  Even with all the purported risks, I'd still make the choice all over again to get the Hep B shot.

Susan
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have very mixed feelings about the Hep B vaccination.  I didn't properly research it prior to getting the shot and was horrified when a study came out shortly afterwards linking it with multiple sclerosis.  The itching and numbness/tingling in my hands and feet intensified significantly after getting the shot and hasn't subsided since then.  Is there a connection?  Who knows.

On the other hand, if I could contract HCV (without ever engaging in any of the usual risk factors), I figure I could probably be unlucky enough to get HBV, too. So in that sense, I'm glad I'm protected.  But now I don't know how long I can expect that protection to last.  Based on the study I posted above, it looks like it's only four years!

By the way, I'm not second-guessing getting the Hep A shot.  That's a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.  

Susan

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
TallBlonde,
My DR gave me a prescription for Hep A&B vacination. I haven't gotten the shots yet. After reading this I'm a little reluctant. Can anyone substantiate this happening to them?

Thanks.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Really?  Wish I shared your calmness about Hep B, as the thought of another hep infection just terrifies me.  Oh yeah,  the controversy about the safety of the vaccine, I remember now.

All I know is that  I renewed the Hep B shots in the 3rd month of tx or so, and the reaction was really intense.    Should have done the darn thing pre-interferon.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
one of these days I will get the hep a vaccine, but I am not convinced on the need for hep b yet
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15793867
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Can you please paste the path for the vaccination study- hepB? The link doesn't work
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Entecavir effective against hepatitis B?
Date Published 11/03/2004

The experimental drug entecavir (Bristol-Myers Squibb) is effective for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection, but FDA reviewers have expressed concern over possible long-term resistance and cancer risks.

The reviewers said
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, the drug manufacturer said Wednesday.

The drug, entecavir, is taken orally and is designed to work by preventing the virus that causes the illness from reproducing.

The chronic form of hepatitis B can permanently damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Entecavir is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb and will be sold under the trade name Baraclude. The company said it could be available in early April.

Current treatment options for chronic hepatitis include interferon, given by injection, and two drugs administered orally, lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil.

The Hepatitis B Foundation estimates that 1.2 million Americans have hepatitis B and another 100,000 are infected annually.

In clinical trials the main side effects reported for the drug were headache, tiredness, dizziness and nausea.



Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
<a ref="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15793867">Vaccination Study</a>

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.