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.
Great clarification. Thanks!
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.
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
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
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.
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.
one of these days I will get the hep a vaccine, but I am not convinced on the need for hep b yet
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15793867
Can you please paste the path for the vaccination study- hepB? The link doesn't work
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
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.
<a ref="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15793867">Vaccination Study</a>