Hi Sue and all: yes at Seattle Midwifery School Hep B vac was recommended too but not required, it was more or less informed consent for us as health care providers. In most clinical sites it wasn't an issue but if it is then the clinic/midwife is informed that this student is not vaccinated (on a form provided by the student). I do not know of anyone being refused a placement on vaccination status. However, I feel confident to say that some hospitals may feel otherwise. I was vaccinated some 6years ago for the work I was doing with developmentally challengd adults, so when I applied for a volunteer position a few years later at Stanford University Hospital, California they checked my titer levels and I was surprised to find them low, so I was revaccinated: given a booster. I had them checked again 2 years after that at midwifery school, and was given another booster, they were recently checked and were fine. I have never had problems with vaccinations so this was just an interesting side note for me as I feel if I am going to be vaccinated it may as well be active. Having a titer done is just a blood draw, no biggy.
In the event of someone challenging you on not being vaccinated it might be worth having a titer done to show you're not a carrier, I mean you can't spread the disease if you haven't been exposed and contracted it and if you're willing to take the risk of getting exposed over the risk of being vaccinated then surely that is your choice. There must be something your can sign. Regards marilyn -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
