Question about vaccinations - Hepatitis Message Board

KaysMom · 07-16-2003, 10:32 PM

I post on another forum, but, I am very curious about something. I've had the Hepatitis B immunization series done twice. Both times my titre came back as negative for antibodies, in other words, it didn;t take. Does this mean that if I were to contract Hep B, or even C, that my body would offer no defense to it? Does it mean I could get either and get a false negative on a screening because I wouldn't produce antibodies to show I have it? I don't even want to think about how many times I've been exposed. Universal precautions are nice and all, but nothing is fool proof. Thank you in advance. All replies are appreciated.

meanjeanl2002 · 07-17-2003, 06:55 AM

Hi KaysMon, I don't know for sure, but my tests were negative also, so I assumed I've never had Hep A or B. I do get both vaccines though...Maybe someone else here can answer your questions...Good luck in your search...

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Jeanie

thanbey · 07-17-2003, 09:09 AM

The question regarding the hepB not resulting in antibodies needs to be answered by your doctor.

There is no vaccine agaisnt hepatitis C, however, so you have no immunity against hepatitis C from any kind of vaccination.

There is also a vacccine for A.

Jemah · 07-17-2003, 09:22 AM

Hi KaysMom, I am so glad to meet you!

I have had the Hep B shot series TWICE and still no immunity. I also had the Hep A shot and no immunity. I asked my doctors about this and they really couldn't answer as to why my body does not build enough antibodies for protection. They basically said I am unprotected and should really watch out for Hep A. I'm married and monogomous so I'm not too worried about Hep B.

I would advise you to take the Hep A vaccine and see if you can build immunity to it. There is no vaccine to Hep C so we are all at risk. I currently have Hep C.

You, me, and my general practioner are the only other people I've heard that are like this. It figures for me!!!!!!!!

Hope this helps!
Jeannie

KaysMom · 07-17-2003, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I know there isn't a vac. for Hep C. My concern is that I may contract Hep A,B,OR C, but never know because I wouldn't have antibodies show up on a blood test. Jeannie, how did you find oyt about your Hep C? The infection control nurse at my job wasn't able to explain why I couldn't build immunity either. Its kind of scary I think. I mean, how many people have the virus but no antibodies? How many of these people donate blood that never gets red flagged by the blood bank because its negative for an antibody test? It also makes me wonder how effective the Hep B. vaccine is. I'd have never known the first series didn't work if my job hadn't drawn a titre on me when I was hired. How many people get a titre after they have the series? Something to think about I think.