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Hepatitis B

9 replies

marybobbins · 06/11/2012 14:41

Hi,

Has anyone had the hepatitis B vaccine? and did you have to pay for it?
We care for babies and were advised for us and our children to have the vaccine but our gp says we aren't eligible to have it for free and I don't think the LA will pay for it. It's £30 a dose, 3 doses per person.

Thanks

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Fosterangel · 06/11/2012 16:26

This wasn't covered in our Skills to Foster training but then we qualified 2+yrs ago so it may be now.
We were not advised to have the Hep vaccines not have we been offered them. I will see what others' experiences are before I put myself forward for the jab!

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Fosterangel · 06/11/2012 16:36

Husband has just commented that the Hep vaccine is part of the the tools of the trade (like hard hats and overalls) and local authority would have a duty of care to protect its carers from identified risk of infection.
He thinks that this would be basic health & safety and paid for by your LA or agency.
Also, babies should be screened for Hep and only placed with protected carers.

Just his opinion but he has a good grounding in this area in his job.

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chocaholic2011 · 06/11/2012 18:24

We got ours free from GP, the gp also said our own teenagers should have the vaccination too, so we all had them for free :)

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scarlet5tyger · 06/11/2012 19:05

I've fostered children who HAD Hep B and was still told I'd have to pay for the jab myself! My LA "reasoned" that I should be practising safe care anyway so shouldn't really be at risk....

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scarlet5tyger · 06/11/2012 19:06

Just wanted to add that I like the hard hat comment, could do with one of those quite often - especially with the head butting baby I have now!

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marybobbins · 06/11/2012 19:10

Thank you, think I will try and talk to our GP again.
We have already cared for quite a few babies going through withdrawal and have been told we are likely to have more, so I think its worthwhile but our LA have already said they don't have the budget to vaccinate and its our choice to have it or not but on the training courses they are adament that we should all have it.

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Fosterangel · 06/11/2012 19:42

I still feel that the LA has a duty of care towards you and if they want you to work for them should give you this vaccination free of charge as a tool of the trade and for your safety and protection as any good employer would do.

This is a ridiculous position to be put in - I wonder how the courts would view the LA washing their hands of your safety whilst placing possibly Hepatitis infected babes with you? The LA are putting you at risk and budget is not a reason that would stand up in court.

If it was me I would politely ask again by e-mail and keep a record of the response. You may need that hard hat for the response by the sound of it!!