Hepatitis B Vaccine?

LegacyUser

Going unregged for this one.... so bear with me,

At the moment I am a virgin, however I know that will probably end soon. One of my main reasons for staying celibate this long (i'm 22 and male btw) is I am paranoid of STI's STD's etc. And the Hepatitis B vaccine seems to be the only STD that I can vaccinate myself from. Obviously Condoms would be used religiously etc. and I wouldn't sleep with any dodgy ladies etc. I know the chances of catching something are small as I would be taking as many precautions as possible.

However after some research on the net I am thinking of getting this vaccine, my q's are,

how do I get it? Must I go to some special clinic (I am located in the south west btw) or could my GP administer it? I have a medical card if it makes any difference, but would do not mind paying to get it done.

Does it take long to become effective?

Is there any side effects, ie. some people claim the MMR causes autism etc.

I am not asking for medical advice, just peoples opinions and if you had it done what was your expeirience of it etc?

thanks a mill for your help, I have spent ages studying the whole sex, contraception, diseases etc. and nothing will 100% protect me from any disease bar I know bar celibacy and well that hasn't been much fun so far as the nick says better safe than sorry!

azezil

- They give you a full screening to make sure you don't have anything, you wait two weeks for the results.
- When you get the results you get one jab, then a month later you've to come back for a second and a month later the third and final jab.
- You're now immune to hep b.

I've no idea how much it costs, mine was free and was done at a gay men's health clinic, I would assume your GP can direct you to the relevant pokers

There is no risk of infection.

Crazy Catlady

There are no side effects as far as I know. It was 3 jabs over 3 months. I got it in my local GP's. I just had to ring ahead to be sure they had the vaccine in stock.
Hope that helps

LegacyUser

I got one jab, another a month later and I'm currently waiting 6 months to get the 3rd and hopefully final injection. I think at that point they take a blood sample to check that it's working. If not you might need a 4th injection.

The only side effect I've had so far is a sore arm for a couple of days afterwards.

Not sure how much it costs (my work is paying for it) but I got it done in the Mercer centre near Stephen's Green, but like the others said you can probably just get your GP to do it.

Lux23

I couldn't move my arm for a week after my first jab so the doctor refused to give me the other jabs. I got it done in my local GP but you can get it done for free in the ST James Guide Clinic, not sure if thats only gay men though.

PS The MMR was proven not to cause autism so I wouldn't worry about any very serious side effects, i just had a reaction as im allergic to something in the vaccine.

spinandscribble

i've started getting these shots for going to thailand this summer. i didnt get screened and no blood was taking. mine in the student clinic are 35 a pop for three months.

tbh i wasnt aware people took then before having sex

Pigwidgeon

i think i got that before i went to malaysia, only got one jab anyway it was hepatitis not sure which though, got it done in the gps

watna

kateos2 wrote: »

i think i got that before i went to malaysia, only got one jab anyway it was hepatitis not sure which though, got it done in the gps

I'm off to Malaysia and just got a Hep A injection last Monday. My arm is still sore It was probably that one. Hep B is three injections.

OP, I got my vaccines in the Tropical Medical Bureau. There's a few around the country. If you check their website it gives you the cost of each vaccine. www.tmb.ie.

I was told by my friend who is an immunologist that getting Hep B is a good idea as you're protected if you have it and it's easy enough to catch, she said the same for Hep A. I just couldn't afford to get Hep B and it isn't 100% essential for Malaysia.

starn

I got my Hep B vaccine in a student center cost me e130 for the three jabs. Had to go back after three months. To ensure I had the antibodies

LegacyUser

Thanks for all the help people, That Tropical Medical Bureau link was great watna and they have a centre close enough to me and I will get some more info of them.

I wonder am I going over the top by getting vaccinated before well ahem... you know! or is it just another shot that everyone really should get regardless of whether going travelling or being sexually active? I am fairly set on getting it but would like to people opinions is all.

thanks for reading

sportswear

end soon. One of my main reasons for staying celibate this long (i'm 22 and male btw) is I am paranoid of STI's STD's etc. And the Hepatitis B vaccine seems to be the only STD that I can vaccinate myself from.

this is a bit much tbh. i think you have let yourself be scared a bit too much..

spinandscribble

saferthansorry wrote: »

Thanks for all the help people, That Tropical Medical Bureau link was great watna and they have a centre close enough to me and I will get some more info of them.

I wonder am I going over the top by getting vaccinated before well ahem... you know! or is it just another shot that everyone really should get regardless of whether going travelling or being sexually active? I am fairly set on getting it but would like to people opinions is all.

thanks for reading

i asked around today and noones ever heard of something doing this any anything other then travel.

watna

OP, It is being very cautious. Yes, Hep B does get transferred in bodily fluids. However, you said you'd always protect yourself when you do have sex so it's unlikely you'd catch it. I do know that medical professionals and people who work with blood and fluids have to get the vaccine. As I said above my friend is an immunologist and also works in a lab with blood samples etc. She recommended that I get it for travelling even though it wasn't %100 necessary as once I had the vaccine that was it sorted and over with.

I think, it's your body and your life. If it makes you feel better to have the aaccine then go for it. There's no point worrying about it if you can put your arm at ease. I don't see the harm in getting the vaccine to be extra safe. Just expect a sore arm! (Mine still hurts three days later!). Just go to a good doctor you can explain the risks involved etc.

Don't get so worried about the consequences of sex either, you can be safe and enjoy it too!