Hepatitis B. Can I still catch it after getting the vaccine?

[AlexDorneles]

One of the first things I did when I arrived in Thailand was to get the shots for hep A and hep B.

I am wondering if I can still be infected with hep B. I am dating a girl and she has hep B.

Thank you all

[h90]

yes because Hep B vaccine doesn't work on some people. You have to check for antibody after a while to confirm it worked.

But even if all works wonderful there is a time lag between the shot and you build resistance Hep C. Don't know how long, but I would say there is surely nothing below 3 days, but I would guess it is more likely weeks.

[Sheryl]

You can get a blood test to determine if you have effective immunity. They measure the Hep-B antibodies and any hospital can do this. It's done whenever there is doubt as to the need for vaccination (for example, if the vaccination was done a long time ago) and also in cases like yours where there is a need to be certain the vaccine stimulated an effective immune response.

They can also test for antigen (indication of present infection) - if the antibody levels come back low, should check that.

[h90]

You can get a blood test to determine if you have effective immunity. They measure the Hep-B antibodies and any hospital can do this. It's done whenever there is doubt as to the need for vaccination (for example, if the vaccination was done a long time ago) and also in cases like yours where there is a need to be certain the vaccine stimulated an effective immune response.

They can also test for antigen (indication of present infection) - if the antibody levels come back low, should check that.

I had a year after Hep B vaccination a antibody level of zero. They told me it is normal that it doesn't work on some people. But they check only nurses and policemen.

If nothing, it is tried again, if not working another brand of Hep B vaccination.

And it means either it doesn't work for me or I am naturally immune. But that doc didn't sound as he knows the details about it.

On other antibodies against some tick distributed disease I was off the scale and it told me to call the university lab. They told me I am either an exception which happens (my mother remembered a very strong responds) or I got an infection just after the vaccination giving me a mega-booster.

And instead of every 3 years a refreshment I should check the level again in 10 years, but she is sure it will last all my life.

Or short version: everything without antibody level check is pure speculation.

[AlexDorneles]

I did my first shots in EU before coming to Thailand. After I was here for 1 yr I did the test and they told me it didn't work so I did a second time here 3 shots (3 months apart). I will go check it tomorrow to see if this last round of vaccine worked. Thanks for your replies!!!