Hepatitis B: Since the incubation period is highly variable it is quite possible that receiving immunoglobulin 13-18 days after exposure may be beneficial in modulating infection it is unlikely that adding hepatitis B vaccine will make a difference. On the other hand, it will not hurt you and taking it may or may not provide further antibody stimulation.
Answered 3/30/2015
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It depends on: the source of exposure. If the source of exposure is a occupational needle stick, immunoglobulin is most effective within 24 hours; effectiveness after 7 days is doubtful. However, if the hepatitis B exposure was through sexual contact, there seems to be value if given up to 14 days afterward. The vaccine will cause an positive ANTIBODY response, but positive ANTIGEN tests will result if infected.
Answered 3/30/2015
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See below: Hep B immune globulin needs to be given as soon as possible, and within 7-8 days of exposure to be effective. If given within the first week it's 75% effective in preventing Hep B. Hepatitis B vaccine can be started any time to protect you against future exposure to HepB. But to offer any protection to a new exposure needs to be given within 24 hours if possible. Vaccination>won't prevent testing
Answered 3/30/2015
3.3k views
Hep B / HBIG: The value of administering Hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin beyond 7 days past and acute blood exposure is unclear, an both vaccines are ideally administered within 14 days of a sexual exposure.
Answered 3/30/2015
3.3k views
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