what about immune globulin shots?

[handzfull]

I am new to this board, and new to not vaccinating. We have gradually stopped vaccinating our 6 children (the oldest has all of his...the youngest only got the newborn ones). I don't want to vaccinate our next one who is due in July; however, I carry hepatitis B (I don't have the active infection, just the antigens). Anyway, it's always been recommended that our newborns receive the immune globulin shot at birth to prevent the virus from transferring to their blood (or something like that...but it's different than the vaccination). Is this safe? Does it carry with it the same risks as vaccinating? Also, what do you think about NOT vaccinating a baby when you know you carry the hep B virus. Part of me says don't do it, it's not worth the risk of the shot itself. But part of me says do it, because it's highly likely that the baby will come into contact with my blood sometime. I just am not sure what to do. Any input? Thanks!

[amnesiac]

"I don't have the active infection, just the antigens" doesn't really make sense. It's either a chronic infection or it resolves in a few mos resulting in immunity. Sounds like you mean chronic infection because people who remain HBsAg+ over a prolonged period of time are chronically infected. you might find some things of assistance in the archives:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...play.php?f=116

[handzfull]

I am not chronically infected. I got it from my mother in birth. I do have the "e" antigens. I don't know really how to say it, but that's what I understand. I need to be more informed about my situation, I know. But I know that I do not "have hepatitis B" I am just a carrier. Anyway, as I was looking around the board after my post, I did find a whole thread on hepatitis B in the archives. It was very helpful. Thanks!

[Jwebbal]

If you are a carrier, you could give your daughter Hep B at birth. Babies who are infected have a very high rate of becoming chronically infected themselves, as you were. A lifetime of chronic infection, as well as potentially infecting others seems like a real reason to consider getting the globulin and the vaccine imo.