Antivax rant #1
The only way to get Hep B is via contact with infected human blood.
Back in Germany, they recommend Hep B vaccination for certain high-risk groups: those who can come into close contact with infected blood as part of their work such as police officers, social workers, prison guards, and staff at psychiatric wards. They also recommend it for patients in psychiatric wards, prison inmates, and intravenous drug addicts. These recommendations highlight the risk of exposure in these settings.
Here in Beaverton, US, a child must be vaccinated against Hep B in order to attend a kindergarten and elementary school. Does it mean the school district officials think that close contact with infected blood is as likely event in the school setting as it is in German prison?
Also here in US CDC recommends Hep B vaccination for newborns. I have to admit that German STIKO since 2020 also recommends Hep B vaccination for children starting 2 months old. But unlike in the US, Germany doesn't mandate this vaccine for school admission, reserving such a mandate for highly contagious diseases like measles.
As far as I understand, Hep B is a pretty safe vaccine, so in risk to benefit analysis the risk part is pretty low. However, I think benefit is even lower for children who are not likely to come into close contact with infected blood. Am I missing something?
Back in Germany, they recommend Hep B vaccination for certain high-risk groups: those who can come into close contact with infected blood as part of their work such as police officers, social workers, prison guards, and staff at psychiatric wards. They also recommend it for patients in psychiatric wards, prison inmates, and intravenous drug addicts. These recommendations highlight the risk of exposure in these settings.
Here in Beaverton, US, a child must be vaccinated against Hep B in order to attend a kindergarten and elementary school. Does it mean the school district officials think that close contact with infected blood is as likely event in the school setting as it is in German prison?
Also here in US CDC recommends Hep B vaccination for newborns. I have to admit that German STIKO since 2020 also recommends Hep B vaccination for children starting 2 months old. But unlike in the US, Germany doesn't mandate this vaccine for school admission, reserving such a mandate for highly contagious diseases like measles.
As far as I understand, Hep B is a pretty safe vaccine, so in risk to benefit analysis the risk part is pretty low. However, I think benefit is even lower for children who are not likely to come into close contact with infected blood. Am I missing something?