Re: [ozmidwifery] Immunisation before university/employment - Hep.B

[Marilyn Kleidon]

Victoria:   I was immunised when I worked as an educator of developmentally disabled adults: we were really coerced into it, not  from any fear of us giving to our clients but of them giving it to us as apparently many developmentally disabled adults (at least in the USA) are sexually abused and hence many do have Hep B or are carriers. I could have chosen to accept the risk: there was an informed consent form and it wouldn't have affected my employment but would have affected my workers comp. if I became infected on the job.  At the time I really didn't think too much about it, which is I think how most people are with vaccinations: we just do as we're told. As a midwife I am much more aware now. Although I am not anti-vaccination perse, like Sandra I am aghast at the the big brother tactics employed in the mass immunisation campaigns and the frequent lack of informed consent about the issue.   Re seroconversion of hep B: I converted (confirmed by a titre) and then a couple of years later had my titre checked and had to get a booster, now I am still converted, but was told by the health nurse where I had this checked that most people who have been immunised actually have enough of a memory in their immune system that should they encounter the virus their system will manufacture sufficient antibodies. Now, I have NOT researched this but am taking her word for it. If I work more than 2 shifts/week i am advised to get Hep A too.  i have never had a bad reaction to a vaccine or an allergic reaction to anything so i am not too averse to it but kind of just don't want to.   marilyn ----- Original Message ----- From: Sandra J. Eales To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2003 6:59 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Immunisation before university/employment - Hep.B Victoria I had just sent off my own Hep B issue to the list when I downloaded yours - must be something in the air. I am a midwife and was immunized about 15 yrs ago when I first graduated with little thought and few questions (I think it might even have been produced from human source in those days - it is now reproduced in yeast or something like).  I have maintained immunity to the present day from that initial 3 dose course and probably the odd encounter with infected body fluids to act as booster? However I have many colleagues who have had repeated full courses and boosters who just never sero-convert.  I think the conversion rate for adults is around 80% and 90% in childhood after 2 doses (but noone is sure how long the immuity will last).  I do still feel that it is a protective advantage for me in my profession but am growing more frustrated with the big brother tactics  of the immunisation police and cynical about the motivating force behind the enormous energy to push and coerce whole populations into using more and more of them.  I think the strongest motivator is money - there are huge profits to be made in this industry and the money makers are well organised and very influential. You probably would be discriminated against if you are not immunised - whether you need it or not.   Sandra        ----- Original Message ----- From: Victoria Couldwell To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 10:19 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Immunisation before university/employment - Hep.B Dear All,   As a prospective Bach. Midwifery student, I have been invited to attend an interview and health assessment in the UK (I am an Australian, living in Sydney). As part of the health assessment, I am required to advise my immunisation status, which is fine except for Hep.B.... I am unsure about undertaking this immunisation.   * Do you feel that this immunisation is necessary for a midwife? Why/why not?  * Have any midwives, childbirth educators, doulas undertaken the Hep.B immunisation? * Is there any alternative? Can I refuse? Is it mandatory for employment?   I would appreciate any comments.   Thanks,   Victoria Couldwell     MSN Instant Messenger now available on Australian mobile phones. Find our more. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.