Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus causes inflammation of the liver. Symptoms may include jaundice (yellow skin), nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and
weakness. About 10% of infected people will develop chronic hepatitis, which can lead to cirrhosis and, infrequently, the acute illness
can be fatal. The time from infection to symptoms is 2-5 months.
Hepatitis B virus is found in blood and many other body fluids. The infection is spread through sexual contact or by blood or other fluids
of an infected person coming into contact with blood or mucous membranes (eyes and mouth) of another person.
Immunization
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all persons who are at increased risk of infection with Hepatitis B virus, including health care
workers who may be exposed to blood or body substances. Hepatitis B vaccine does not contain human serum and cannot transmit any
infection. One cannot develop hepatitis, AIDS or any other viral illness from receiving the vaccine. After a series of 3 doses of the vaccine
injected into the upper arm over 6 months, about 90% of healthy adults develop antibodies which protect against development of Hepatitis
B. This protection is long lasting so boosters are not routinely recommended.
Side Effects
Among recipients of Hepatitis B virus vaccine, soreness and redness at the injection site have occasionally been seen. Flu-like symptoms
and low grade fever are rare. Other side effects have been reported; however, they do not occur at a rate higher than in the general,
unvaccinated population. Hypersensitivity has not been reported. Safety of the vaccine for the developing fetus is not known, but because
it is non-infectious, the risk to the fetus from the vaccine should be negligible. However, Hepatitis B infection (which can be prevented by
this vaccination) in a pregnant woman may result in severe disease for the newborn. If you are pregnant, we recommend discussing all
vaccines and medications with your health provider.
Procedure
After signing the consent below, you will be scheduled to receive the immunization in three doses (dose 1 - now, dose 2 - one month
from now, dose 3 -six months from now). After the immunization series is completed, you will have a blood test for antibody to Hepatitis
B virus. This blood test and the immunization injections are done without charge to you. If the blood test indicates you are not yet immune,
additional doses may be given. If you will not be employed at this institution for the next 6 months, it is recommended that you complete
the vaccine elsewhere
I ACCEPT THE HEPATITIS B VACCINATION
I have been informed of the biological hazards that exist in my workplace, and I understand the risks of exposure to
blood or other potentially infectious materials involved with my job. I understand that I may be at risk of acquiring
hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I acknowledge that I have been provided information on the hepatitis B vaccine,
including information on its effectiveness, safety, method of administration and the benefits of being vaccinated. I have
been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine at no charge to myself.
I understand that I am responsible for scheduling and keeping my appointments to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine in
accordance with the recommended series (three vaccination series; second vaccine one month after first vaccine; and
third vaccine within five months of second vaccine
I DECLINE THE HEPATITIS B VACCINATION
I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring
hepatitis B (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no charge to myself.
However, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring
hepatitis B, a serious disease. If in the future I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials
and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the vaccination series at no charge to me