Re: hepatitis B

In Reply to: hepatitis B posted by Anne on August 10, 2000 at 16:03:38:

: It is standard in our area for grade 7 students to receive hepatitis B shots at school.
: We refused to have our son vaccinated since he had a bad reaction to a measles vaccine, also didn't
: feel he is high risk. He is now entering high school and we're trying to get info re the vaccine. Should he
: have it, etc. Any info appreciated at above email. Thanks

Dear Anne,

I am not sure exactly what your question is or what information you are looking for. Do you believe your son is at high risk for another reaction or high risk for HBV?

I cannot tell you whether he might be high risk for the reaction, but his age makes him at risk for the HBV (that's why they give it to that age group)

This is a case where you might need to seek the advice of a gastroenterologist if you are concerned about the reaction to the vaccine. I doubt that you could assess the risk for this from the internet information available.
If your son has autoimmune problems already, testing can be done to assess the risk. Again, not something an internet site can be helpful with.

In my opinion, the vaccine can save lives (and livers) and should be given whenever possible to young children, and especially to young teens who are at highest risk.

I hope this helps,

thanbey

www.hcop.org