Join Our Community!
Share
Conditions and Diseases > Liver Disorders, Hepatitis A,B,C Forum > No Hepatitis Vaccinations - Can HBIG shot help?
Hepatitis can lead to serious liver damage. We cover basics about liver anatomy and define hepatitis here. Plus info on the different types of hepatitis....
What are the major causes of Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C? Start here to learn what puts you at risk so that you can avoid the serious liver disease...
A list of the symptoms of each type of Hepatitis here. Plus, when you should seek medical attention for Hep signs and symptoms....
Avatar
Q: No Hepatitis Vaccinations - Can HBIG shot help?
asked by: info22 on October 10th, 2007
New User
Hi. I have not had any Hepatitis Vaccinations.

My girlfriend is a Phlebodomist and just started this week.
The other day (two days ago) she had to draw someone's blood that had
Hepatitis B.
This made me really nervous reading about how contagious it was.
I know it has to be exposed via blood or other mucas or secretions but I read it can live up to 10 days out of the body.
I know that person may have been sick or something.
What if they sneezed and she touched it or something?
I am just nervous because I already have health problems.

I have some health problems already. I have Cystic Fibrosis and Diabetes.
The Cystic Fibrosis already causes some complications with the liver
(high counts when liver tested etc.) It is just something that happens sometimes with Cystic Fibrosis.
I am going to get vaccinated soon for A and B.
However... I read about a shot called HBIG which can be given to people who were exposed. I read that you should do it within 7 days of exposure and the best is within 48 hrs.
I think it has been two days now since she came in contact with this person.
Another thing that scares me is that it says the HBIG shot is made of plasma from humans and it is possible to get a virus FROM the shot.

Should I get this shot when I go to get vaccinated? Can you get them at the same time?
What are the risks of getting a different virus FROM the HBIG shot?

If the risks are very low and there is nothing to worry about I would like to get it just in case. Especially since she will be working drawing peoples blood everyday and you never know when something could happen.
I know that the Hep B shot has to be stretched out with three shots during a 6-9 month span and I don't want anything to happen during that time if an accident with her drawing blood was to occur. I also read that the HBIG shot can protect you from 3-6 months. That is another reason why I am thinking about getting it.

Can someone give me some advice on this?
Thanks
Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(1)
Avatar
Rheinau
replied on October 15th, 2007
New User
My Opinion
Hopefully your girlfriend has already had Hep A & B vaccine since she has a high risk job. Also, if she follows proper procedures, she should be fine.

You should get Hep A&B injections regardless.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Quick Reply
Search