You are not a carrier, but you are also not fully protected from getting the virus. You need to get all 3 injections and then have a blood test done to insure that the vaccine has produced the required antibodies a few months after the 3rd injection. I had to have the series twice as my first series did not work and it was not discovered until I received a needlestick at work.
Blood Tests
Be sure to carefully discuss your blood test results with your health care provider. Understanding your hepatitis B blood test results can be confusing, so you want to be clear about your diagnosis - do you have a new infection, have you recovered from a past infection, or do you have a chronic infection?
You may want to take a copy of this information with you to your appointment to use as a reference guide. In addition, it is helpful if you request a written copy of your blood tests so that you fully understand which test is positive or negative.
To understand your tests, you will need to understand two basic medical terms:
Antigen -a foreign substance in the body, such as the hepatitis B virus.
Antibody -a protein that your immune system makes in response to a foreign substance. Antibodies can be produced in response to a vaccine or a natural infection. Antibodies usually protect you from future infection.
Common Hepatitis B Blood Tests
HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) - This refers to the outer surface of the hepatitis B virus that triggers an antibody response. A "positive" or "reactive" HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with the hepatitis B virus. This can be an "acute" or a "chronic" infection. Infected people can pass the virus on to others through their blood.
HBsAb or anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antibody) - This refers to the protective antibody that is produced in response to an infection. It appears when a person has recovered from an acute infection and cleared the virus (usually within six months) or responded successfully to the hepatitis B vaccine shots. A "positive" or "reactive" HBsAb (or anti-HBs) test result indicates that a person is "immune" to any future hepatitis B infection and is no longer contagious. This test is not routinely included in blood bank screenings.
HBcAb or anti-HBc (hepatitis B core antibody) - This refers to an antibody that is produced in response to the core-antigen, a component of the hepatitis B virus. However, this is not a protective antibody. In fact, it is usually present in those chronically infected with hepatitis B. A "positive" or "reactive" HBcAb (or anti-HBc) test result indicates a past or present infection, but it could also be a false positive. The interpretation of this test result depends on the first two test results. Its appearance with the protective surface antibody (positive HBsAb or anti-HBs) indicates prior infection and recovery. For chronically infected persons, it will usually appear with the virus (positive HbsAg).
2006-09-29 22:24:57
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answer #1
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answered by msfyrebyrd 4
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No. I haven't finished my Hep B vaccinations. What shows up on a blood test is a partial vaccine----you are not a carrier, and cannot make anyone sick.
2006-09-30 02:20:03
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answer #2
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answered by P-nuts and Hair-dos 7
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If you haven't finished your hepB vaccine you are partially protected. Hurry and get the final version. Then you are safe.
2006-09-29 22:12:17
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answer #3
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answered by Fenrispro 3
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No, not unless you've contracted Hepititus B before starting or during the vaccination period.
2006-09-29 22:04:16
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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You should be given the all clear by a trained medical professional.
2006-09-29 22:09:08
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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