Need info re hepatitis B vaccine

[July]

My son (age 15) is required by state law to get the vaccine if he attends public school, unless it is medically contraindicated or we have a religious objection.

I don't have a problem with immunizations. However, my son has had allergic reactions to medications (penicillin, ampicillin, and erythromycin) in the past. His doctor speculates that the reaction was caused by preservatives rather than by the medicine itself (but we don't really know). Two months ago, my son's father had an allergic reaction to the hepatitis B vaccine. So, I'm concerned.

The real issue for me is that I can't do a lot if he does have an allergic reaction. Unlike most other illnesses and injuries my kids have experienced, a strong allergic reaction can't be handled by my first aid kit and Tylenol. I know the likelihood of anaphylactic shock is very low, but it would be my worst nightmare.

How should I proceed? Ask for an Epi-pen? Stay at the doctor's office after the immunization? Ask her to waive the requirement, or object on "religious" grounds (I guess my Religion of Mom forbids doing something that may harm my child)?

I'm considering waiting till he's older and getting some kind of testing to learn what he's allergic to. My internet research (to govt. and medical sites, not to anti-immunization groups) suggests that aluminum hydroxide or thimerasol in the vaccine could cause some allergic reactions, and these sites also advise against getting the vaccine if you are allergic to baker's yeast (no idea if he's allergic to it).

I'll take any information I can get. At the moment I'm undecided. Thanks.

[histohoney]

1. Stay at the office

Just tell your Doctor or his nurse your concerns. I always stay for about 10-15min. after any shots for my self or family.
Just take a book and read a few more pgs. It's worth it for your son's health sake and for your peace of mind.

[still_one]

2. Should not have a problem unless he is alergic to eggs

I am assuming he has had the normal childhood vaccination.

The vaccine has been out for sometime now and probably will give lifetime immunity.

It is also a good idea to get hepatitis A vaccine also. This form of hepatitis is not as bad as Hep B, but can make someone quite sick, and can be aquired from food sources.

If you travel abroad, especially Asia, Africa, or South America, you definitely should have the vaccine...

[prolesunited]

3. I think your doctor will provide the most pertinent info

to help you make a decision. But more often, the benefits of a vaccine FAR outweigh the risks.

Epi-pens can be dangerous as well if improperly administered and you have to go right to the hospital after use.

If you are that nervous, you could hang out in the doctor's office for a couple of hours just to be sure.

[July]

4. May I ask why you say "a couple of hours"?

Does this have something to do with the vaccine's getting into his system?

The doctor questioned my husband's allergic reaction, although he was told by two doctors that that is what had happened to him.

Thanks for your comments, and thanks to everyone offering advice.

[prolesunited]

5. Just that if you're going to have a reaction

It would be most likely to occur in that time period.

How severe was your husband's reaction?

I'm allergic to penicillin and had a life-threatening reaction and almost died the first time they gave it to me as a toddler. I used to be OK with the myocins, but those started giving me hives — nothing life threatening, just avoid.

Now, I take Cipro, which I tolerate fairly well. Except they gave me a once-a-day formulation rather than a twice-a-day one last time and it really tore up my digestive system.

I'm sure it will all be OK, but you should discuss all of your concerns with the doctor. It helps to be informed and be able to ask the right questions, but I'm sure the doctor is your most valuable resource.

[wolfgirl]

6. The wait time

is going to vary re: reactions....several years ago, I was undergoing a regime of allergy shots. Each Friday, I would have 7 shots, wait an hour, then when no reaction occurred I could leave. Everything went fine for weeks until shot #149 - only thing was that it was 3 hourrs after that shot when I began to experience a reaction. Thank goodness my hubby was around and was able to get me to the ER in time.
Needless to say, I discontinued the treatment.

So...if you have concerns, talk it over with the MD and get as much info as possible so you can be prepared for whatever happens.

(I figure I'm an oddball re: meds & reactions...so don't worry too
much about your child having something this serious happen).:)

[July]

7. Have been talking to the doctor.

Husband's reaction was very swollen, hot, rashy arm. These symptoms stuck around about 3 days.

I have talked to the doctor. As I mentioned, she questioned my husband's allergic reaction (he also reacts to penicillin, like our son). If I understood her correctly, she thinks an allergic reaction is unlikely (and I know the odds support that view). I told her I was thinking of waiting till he is older, since he's not in a risk group, and she said that half of all hepatitis infections occur in people not in risk groups. Don't know if that's true, but I have no reason to doubt her. And, in fact, I'm in favor of the vaccine.

My worry is the worst case scenario. Should my son have a bad reaction, I may not be able to help him. If he doesn't get the vaccine, it's not an issue. I could stick around the doctor's office for 15 minutes, an hour, or two hours and still face a problem, and there's no hospital close by. That's my nightmare scenario, even though I know chances are that we won't face a problem. Right now, though, I still have a choice, and I'm torn. Ever since my son's earlier allergic reactions (neither mild nor severe), I've feared something's sending him into shock. Somewhat but not completely irrational, I think.

Thanks for talking with me.

[LastKnight]

8. i have the same allergies as he does. and ive had no problems.

im currently getting my hepatitis B vaccinations for college coming up this fall, im allergic to cillins and erythromycin too i cant say ive noticed anything amiss after recieveing the shots (im done with 2 out of the 3 shot progression). but i would ask to stay at the doc's office for awhile just incase, or ask em if its likley to happen, tell em about the allergies and his father's reaction.

just my 2 cents. keep in mind i know almost nothing of medicine, so take this as you will.

-LK