scoutman360 Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheryl Posted February 23, 2017 Share Posted February 23, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoutman360 Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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