Should You Get Hepatitis B Vaccination Without Antibodies?

Q: Should You Get Hepatitis B Vaccination Without Antibodies?

Dear Mr. <br>Lai： If it is confirmed that you have been vaccinated and you do not have prolonged contact with hepatitis B patients, currently, there is no recommendation for a routine booster dose. <br>However, if you have personal considerations, receiving the vaccine at your ow

Hepatitis B antibodies

Hello, I went to the hospital for a blood test and core examination.
The results showed that I do not have antibodies for Hepatitis B.
The doctor mentioned that he generally does not recommend vaccination, stating that the infection rate is only 10%, and that if infected, antibodies may still be produced (as white blood cells have memory).
What do you think? Is there a need for vaccination to produce antibodies?

Lai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/08/09

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Dear Mr.
Lai: If it is confirmed that you have been vaccinated and you do not have prolonged contact with hepatitis B patients, currently, there is no recommendation for a routine booster dose.
However, if you have personal considerations, receiving the vaccine at your own expense poses no side effects.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2007/08/09

More Info

When considering whether to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B after testing negative for antibodies, it's essential to understand the implications of your test results and the nature of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) itself.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. The virus is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Vaccination is a critical preventive measure, especially for individuals at risk of exposure.

In your case, the absence of Hepatitis B antibodies indicates that you have not developed immunity to the virus, either through vaccination or previous infection. This is significant because it means that if you were to come into contact with the virus, you would be at risk of infection. The doctor’s comment about a 10% infection rate after exposure is a statistical estimate, but it’s crucial to understand that this does not mean you are safe. The risk of infection can vary based on several factors, including the viral load of the source and the nature of the exposure.

The concept of "memory" in the immune system refers to the ability of the body to recognize and respond to pathogens it has encountered before. However, if you have never been exposed to Hepatitis B or vaccinated against it, your immune system does not have this memory, and thus, it cannot mount a defense against the virus.
The recommendation from your doctor not to vaccinate may stem from a risk assessment based on your specific circumstances, but it is essential to consider the broader context. The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective, and if you have no antibodies, it is generally advisable to receive the vaccine to establish immunity. The vaccine is composed of a harmless piece of the virus (the surface antigen), which cannot cause the disease but prompts your immune system to produce antibodies against it.

If you are concerned about the possibility of infection after a potential exposure, it is worth discussing the option of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with your healthcare provider. PEP may include the administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine and, in some cases, Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) if the exposure was significant.

In summary, if you have tested negative for Hepatitis B antibodies, it is prudent to consider vaccination. This will not only protect you from potential infection but also contribute to the overall public health goal of reducing the prevalence of Hepatitis B. It is always best to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider about your specific risks and the benefits of vaccination based on your health history and lifestyle.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps

Hello Dr. Hsu, I would like to ask you about the issue of hepatitis B vaccination. Recently, after a company health check, it was found that the results showed no hepatitis B surface antibodies (I also went to the Veterans General Hospital for a check-up, and the result was the s...

Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. This situation is quite common and can occur in two scenarios. The first is that most people do not get tested for antibody production after receiving vaccinations in childhood, so it is possible that despite being vaccinated, due to individual variations in physiolog...

Understanding Hepatitis B: Negative Antibodies and Vaccination Recommendations

The presence of negative antibody-antigen results does not necessarily indicate that you have hepatitis B. The report suggests that you should consider getting vaccinated.

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If the surface antigen and antibodies are negative, and anti-HBc is present, it indicates that the individual has never been infected and has not been vaccinated. Vaccination should be administered. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Departme...

Should I Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine if Antibodies Are Gone?

I would like to ask, I received the hepatitis B vaccine when I was a child, but the school tested and said I have no antibodies and have not been infected. Should I get a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine since the antibodies have disappeared? If I do not get the booster an...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended that you receive the hepatitis B vaccine. There is a certain risk of infection, but it is not 100%. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.

Can You Get Hepatitis B If You Have Antibodies?

If a person has antibodies against hepatitis B, they are generally considered to be protected from hepatitis B infection. However, it is important to note that the presence of antibodies indicates past infection or vaccination, and while it significantly reduces the risk of reinf...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, internet user: Having hepatitis B surface antibodies indicates that you have immunity and are generally not susceptible to reinfection. Wishing you safety!