texasmama Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 I am taking a job (part time, on call) as a labor support person for women who live in the dorm of an adoption agency. I will be hands on during births of women with varying histories (drug use, health issues, etc). The agency is offering me the Hep B series free. Any downside to taking them up on this offer? I've not ever had the Hep B series. I've been tested for Hep B and do not have it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ailaena Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 (edited) I can't make up your mind for you, but know that Hepatitis B can be contracted from a dried spot of blood that was missed during cleanup. This is why it is usually highly recommended, if not mandatory, for health care workers. eta: To be fair, though, many people will never even know they were infected. Edited August 25, 2011 by Ailaena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 Yes. HepB is bloodborne. All healthcare workers should have it, unless there is a medical reason not to. I know of no one (including myself) who has experienced any untoward side effects from the series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 I did them and experienced no side effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 What a great job -- a privilege to be supporting those women. I'm pretty anti-vaccinations for low-risk people, but this sounds your risk could indeed be greater. IIRC, it's one of the vaccines with lower risks of side effects (but I could be wrong on that), and in your situation, I think I'd probably get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted August 25, 2011 Author Share Posted August 25, 2011 Thanks to all who responded. That is pretty much my take, as well, but I wanted to get some other perspectives. I believe I will be doing it. What a great job -- a privilege to be supporting those women. Yes, I am very excited to be doing this. These are ladies/teens who may not have other support. I might be the only person with them who is non-medical during the birth. It is the coolest job ever, though not very high paying. I think that the "pay" will be in non-monetary intangibles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 considering the potential for exposure, I'd go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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