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- Manlobbi
Outskirts of Shrewd'm / Pandemics
No. of Recommendations: 0
I'm confused about whether I need the hepatitis B vaccine or not. I was born in 1963. Is it likely I got the Hep B vaccine already as a child? If so, I understand that the vaccine provides lifelong protection, so I wouldn't need to get it again, right?
No. of Recommendations: 0
First, I would speak to my doctor, if I were you.
However, you almost certainly did not get the hep B series as a child. That wasn't available until the 80s, I think. After age 60, a quick check says something about "if you have risk factors". But I don't know what those factors may be.
So, definitely talk to your doctor. But I doubt you've had the series, unless maybe you were in the military in the 80s and 90s (in which case they may have given it to you).
No. of Recommendations: 0
Thanks. ...googling.. Yup, the vaccine was only available starting in 1982. So I definitely never got it (never in the military).
But the at risk groups are "health-care professional exposed to blood and blood products, staff and patients of institutions for the developmentally delayed, staff and patients in hemodialysis units, infants born to hepatitis B positive mother, IV drug users, homosexual males and heterosexuals with multiple sex partners."
Since I'm in none of those groups, I guess I needn't get the vaccine unless I'm being extra paranoid.
No. of Recommendations: 1
When I got Hep B, it was a three shot series and one was six months apart. I got it because I was traveling to S America and there were advisories, it wasn't a normal shot back then.
