having to redo the hepatitis series

[sullidog]

This is sort of a rant but a bit concern for me too.
Yesterday I got told I had to get the hepatitis series again when I just got it last spring, I asked why? The nurse told me it is probably do to something being not high enough in my blood work, she said the name but I don't remember. but she said they, which I don't know who they is would of told me if it was. So she was going to check because I needed a reason, well she never gave me a reason which in my mind it sounds to me like no one ever documented me getting this shot.
Anyways I am concerned about getting this series again since I recently got it, wouldn't another series of these shots raise my antibody levels anymore? I don't want this second round of shots affect me getting a transplant, does anyone know if it will? Also could this overdose me?
I feel that I should be given a reason and not just uh I don't know it could be this or it could be that, somewhere there should be documented of why I have to have this shot again, my FMC center requires it so I doubt I can refuse it. Is this policy for FMC? cause my other center I went to in the past it was optional. Also the last time I did have the series they had to redo the 4th one, but of course again I got no reason as to why other than it's not in the records, uh it's in my records called a brain people, my guess you people aren't documenting your patients properly.

[MightyMike]

They test your hep antibodies through bloodwork.  I have had to have mine redone a few times some people can go for a few years before needing another set it depends on the person.  They usually test every year to see your level and whether or not you need another set.  Hope his helps.

[smcd23]

My husband on D had to have the Hep B series about a half dozen times now, and he still doesn't have antibodies. His old PD nurse said that some people just don't develop them no matter how many times they get the series. From what I have read when looking it up, certain patients (dialysis and AIDS patients for example) have a hard time developing or keeping the antibodies after the series, needing multiple series or boosters.

From the wikipedia article: Poor responses are mostly associated with being over the age of 40 years, obesity and smoking,[14] and also in alcoholics, especially if with advanced liver disease.[15] Patients who are immunosuppressed or on renal dialysis may respond less well and require larger or more frequent doses of vaccine.[10] At least one study suggests that hepatitis B vaccination is less effective in patients with HIV.[16]

So I think it's pretty safe to say it's common, and you shouldn't worry too much. You're definitely not alone!

[The Lady]

And the reason they do it is to know where to seat you when and if there are patients with Hepatitis in the Unit. Also you have to be seated away from the isolation area if you don't develop the antibodies.

I had to have a second series a couple months ago, too. The first one didn't take with me either. But my unit stops with twice. If it doesn't take the second time, they just mark it down as failed and will keep us away from infected patients.

[jeannea]

The antibody levels you develop for Hepatitis are totally separate from the antibodies they talk about for transplant. Repeating this should not affect you getting a transplant. So you can make a decision without worrying about that.

[Cynna66]

Those shots annoy the !@$% outta me! I always get to the second set in the series and then EVERYONE forgets to administer the third so I never complete them and have to start all over again. And of all the shots I've gotten in my life those hurt the most for some reason. Having soreness in both arms might have something to do with it. OUCH! >.< Jerks!!!

[sullidog]

Yes those shots do hurt for some reason and make your arm stiff! not good for someone like me who types at a computer all day.

[tiredandthirsty]

"titers" is the word you are looking for.  some individuals just don't develop enough hep b titers once the vaccine is administered.  and you have to meet some threshold to be considered immune to hep b. 

[kitkatz]

I have had the hep B series three times, it did not take at all. Need it again Sigh!

[Whamo]

I hated the Hepatitis shots.   

[cookie2008]

While I was working my job offered the hep series which I did and a couple of years later when I started dialysis I had to have them over again, now every so often I get a booster shot, which I rather have them then having a chance of getting hepatitis.