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

[Marty & Tina]

Just a small amount of experience on my part.. but thought it might be worth mentioning.  As a Midwifery student in 97 -98 I can't remember having to have Hep B immunisation (but was already immunised anyway).  The hospital I trained at was a tertiary referral hospital in North QLD where there were largish populations of people in high risk categories for Hep B, Hep A, Hep C & HIV.  A fellow student was working in the birth suite one shift & after ? giving injection, taking cord blood (something along those lines) the young woman from high risk background/area kicked her & she received a needle stick injury.  I can't tell you how scary that was for her & eye opening for the rest of us.  At least being immunised for Hep B & Hep A gave her some peace of mind (even if only a fraction).  The Hospital also offered us free immunisation for Hep A, but at the time I was breastfeeding an 8 month old & the safety of such could not be guaranteed.  I still haven't had that one.   Don't know if this helps at all.... just makes you remember how unpredictable some situations can be.   Tina H.