Hepatitis B Vaccine Not Working

[scoutman360]

 

I have had the vaccine series twice now with no permanent results. The first was 15 years ago back in the U.S. A routine health screening in Bangkok 5 years ago didn't find any antibodies, so they gave me the 3-shot series again. Once again this year, routine health screening couldn't find evidence of antibodies. Any suggestions on how to solve this problem in Bangkok? I am what they call a non-responder.

[Sheryl]

The first thing that needs to be done, if it has not already, is to test to see if you may already be infected with Hep B (chronic) as this is sometimes the care. For that you need to be tested for Hep B surface antigen, which any hospital can do.

 

If you turn out to have chrinic Hep B then need to see a specialist and be treated accordingly. If you are negative, then having not responded to 2 separate complete Hep B vaccine series, indeed you are a "non-responder". The guidance for that is to do your utmost to avoid contact with infected bodily fluids (this includes always using a condom) and, should you have a potential exposure, then receive 2 does of Hep B Immunoglobulin - the first one as soon a possible afte the exposure and the second a month later. Hep B immunglobulin is not without risks and side effects so try to avoid that necessity. Should it arise, in terms of a doctor who would be familiar with the recommended management of a non-responder I suggest Dr. Asda at Bumrungrad.

 

See  http://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/vaccine-non-responders/ 

for a good overvew

[scoutman360]

On ‎2‎/‎23‎/‎2017 at 7:28 AM, Sheryl said:

The first thing that needs to be done, if it has not already, is to test to see if you may already be infected with Hep B (chronic) as this is sometimes the care. For that you need to be tested for Hep B surface antigen, which any hospital can do.

 

If you turn out to have chrinic Hep B then need to see a specialist and be treated accordingly. If you are negative, then having not responded to 2 separate complete Hep B vaccine series, indeed you are a "non-responder". The guidance for that is to do your utmost to avoid contact with infected bodily fluids (this includes always using a condom) and, should you have a potential exposure, then receive 2 does of Hep B Immunoglobulin - the first one as soon a possible afte the exposure and the second a month later. Hep B immunglobulin is not without risks and side effects so try to avoid that necessity. Should it arise, in terms of a doctor who would be familiar with the recommended management of a non-responder I suggest Dr. Asda at Bumrungrad.

 

See  http://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/vaccination/vaccine-non-responders/ 

for a good overvew

Thank you Sheryl. Great advice for everyone. Antigens was also checked and found negative. I will make an appointment with Dr. Asda as you suggested.