[Aspiring Nurse]

Hi everyone,

I am applying for nursing school this fall. It will be a second career for me, and I'm very exited!

However, I have a concern that I can't seem to get a straight answer to. The program I'm entering recommends the Hepatitis B vaccine, and I know that acquiring the disease as a healthcare worker is a significant risk without it. I am absolutely pro vaccine and want to take it, but my brother became severely, chronically ill after receiving it in medical school. He had to leave med school and has struggled for over 10 years with his illness (it was an autoimmune response).

I have read the stats and know that the vaccine is 99.9% safe, (and that the risk of getting Hep B is MUCH higher). But I still worry about a possible genetic link that might cause me to have a similar reaction. If anyone has thoughts about the vaccine, or what to do in my situation, I'd be so appreciative.

Thank you!

[Aspiring Nurse]

45 views and no comments?

I know it is an unusual question. But maybe some of you could comment on:

1 - whether you have had the vaccine or not
2 - whether you feel that it is essential to your safety
on the job or in clinicals in school

Thanks!

[JuliaS]

I had to receive the Hep-B vaccine for nursing school. I had no side effects. We also had to have all current vaccinations, TB testing, flu/pneumonia shots. If you are concerned, check with your physician.

[cassioo]

required for nursing school
haven't felt it's essential but then I've had it so maybe I'd feel differently if I didn't have it. We aren't required to have flu/pneumonia and never have taken them and never gotten sick from them either and hope not to. Never had a reaction to a vaccine either. One of my kids legs did swell after some shot once. In general usually safer to have a shot then have the disease that's why they make them but ask your doc about your brothers reaction.

[Anonymous]

I find your concern most interesting! I am an RN and chose to have the hepatitis B vaccine. Not Three years later, I was diagnosed with MS. I have been reading the book entitled Vaccine A, written by Gary Massumoto telling about all of the Gulf War Veterans with autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and others. The common thread here is an adjuvant called Squalene. Because of this, I will not have a flu shot. I never have, and won't take the risk again as I did with the Hepatitis B vaccine.

[Aspiring Nurse]

Anonymous, that is pretty scary. You probably know that France has put a halt to mandatory Hep B vaccination of school children due to concerns about it. The CDC and other prominent organizations have a plethora of data indicating that is as safe as any other vaccine, however. I feel like a freak by having such strong concerns about this (like I said, I am absolutely pro-vaccine), but this vaccine really altered my brother's life.

What I am frustrated about is that I can't find out from anyone whether it is my right to refuse this vaccine as a nursing student and eventually as an RN. Most universities allow you to waive taking the vaccine to enter the nursing program, but say that you may be limited in clinical sites that require it. I just can't figure out what my rights are, and how to make an informed choice.

[Anonymous]

I share your concern. I am also trying to get into a Nursing School myself and have serious reservations about the HepB vaccine. I am 46 years old and I have autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease runs in my family. I am in the process of doing some in depth research on the HepB vaccine and the actual reported cases of serious adverse reactions.
There is a Professor of Cell Biology at a Houston University that gave testimony to Congress about her concerns. She had been doing research with vaccines for 25 years and hired 2 lab assitants to work in her lab. One was her brother. Shortly after receiving the vaccines both young men were struck with severe disability. One lost eye sight. Her brother is disabled now and cannot work.
Over 26,000 reported adverse events are verifiably on the record and it is estimated that this is actually less than 10 percent of true cases.
You might go to Curezone.com and look under vaccinations and there are many nurses that have had serious problems.
Some research indicates that it may be that there is a genetic component involved and that caucasion women of European ethnicity may be more prone to severe adverse neurological problems. That profile fits me.
My husband had Hep. B 18 years ago. He was very ill but never hospitalized. He made full recovery. I cared for him daily and cleaned his vomit, slept in his bed,etc. I did not catch it. I went to a gastroenterologist and was tested the following year. I was not a carrier. Hep. B is not highly contagious, ususally thru blood transfusion, needle sharing, sex.
I have always wanted to be a nurse but I cannot feel comfortable with this vaccine and will have to decide my next step. My advice would be to do your research on your own it is ultimately your choice and it needs to be an informed one.
God Bless,
Lisa

[Mary77]

I had the Hep. B vaccine -- required for the nursing school I went to...I had no symptoms or problems after having it. Sorry to hear about your brother and I can see how reluctant I would be to have the vaccine if that happened to my brother. I don't know what to advise you but I think I would read up on it as much as I could and talk to my doctor, as the other readers suggested here. Though decision to say the least!