What does it mean to be a non responder to the Hep B vaccine?
A non-responder is a person who: is not infected with hepatitis B virus. has a documented history of an age-appropriate course of hepatitis B vaccine. has a current level of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen ( anti-HBs ) of <10 mIU per mL.
What happens if an employee refuses the hepatitis B vaccine?
If an employee initially declines the vaccination, and then decides to have it, the employer must pay for the initial vaccination series and post-vaccination testing, and second vaccination series and testing, if necessary.
What should you do if hepatitis B vaccine is not completed?
If there is an interruption between doses of hepatitis B vaccine, does the vaccine series need to be restarted?
- If the vaccine series was interrupted after the first dose, the second dose should be administered as soon as possible.
- The second and third doses should be separated by an interval of at least 8 weeks.
What complications does the hepatitis B vaccine cause?
Hepatitis B vaccine side effects
- redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.
- a purple spot or lump at the injection site.
- headache.
- dizziness.
- fatigue.
- irritability or agitation, especially in children.
- sore throat.
- runny or stuffy nose.
What percentage of people are Hep B non responders?
Although the majority of persons vaccinated against hepatitis B successfully respond to vaccination, an estimated 5-15\% of persons may not respond due to older age, obesity, smoking, and other chronic illness.
Can my employer force me to get a Hep B vaccine?
The federal OSHA requirement, 29 CFR § 1910.1030, requires that employers make available the hepatitis B vaccine series to all employees who have occupational exposure.
What is a non responder to a vaccine?
A “vaccine non-responder” is a person who does not develop protective surface antibodies after completing two full series of the hepatitis B vaccine and for whom an acute or chronic hepatitis B infection has been ruled out.
What are the contraindications of hepatitis B vaccine?
Contraindications to hepatitis A vaccination include a known allergy to any of the vaccine components. Hepatitis B vaccine is contraindicated for individuals with a history of allergic reactions to any of the vaccine’s components. Neither pregnancy nor lactation is a contraindication for use of this vaccine.