Guidelines on Institutional Response to Hepatitis B
Morehead State University provides information about hepatitis B disease consistent with the Centers for Disease Control guidelines to all freshmen and transfer students by way of the student handbook that is located on MSU webpage. The Director of Counseling and Health Services is responsible for monitoring the University’s compliance to KRS 164.282.
- Having sex with an infected person
- Direct contact with the blood of an infected person How can you protect yourself from getting infected with HBV?
- Get vaccinated! Hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and your best protection.
- Practice “safer” sex. If you are having sex, but not with one steady partner, use latex condoms correctly every time you have sex. The efficacy of latex condoms in preventing infection with HBV is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission.
- Don’t share anything that might have blood on it. Don’t share drugs, needles, syringes, cookers, cotton, water, or rinse cups. Don’t share personal care items, such as razors or toothbrushes.
- Think about the health risks if you are planning to get a tattoo or body piercing. Make sure the artist or piercer sterilizes needles and equipment, uses disposable gloves, and washes hands properly.
- Handle needles and sharps safely. Follow standard precautions if you have a job that exposes you to human blood. If you shoot drugs, get help to stop or get into a treatment program.
Get HEPATITIS B vaccine if:
- you are under 19 years of age
- your sex partner has hepatitis B
- you are a man who has sex with men †
- you recently had a sexually transmitted disease (e.g., gonorrhea, syphilis)
- you have sex with more than one partner
- you shoot drugs †
- you live with someone who has chronic hepatitis B
- you have a job that exposes you to human blood
- you are a kidney dialysis patient
- you live or travel for more than 6 months in countries where hepatitis B is common
- you are on the staff of an institution for the developmentally disabled
† Also get Hepatitis A vaccine
Yes. Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. Millions of children and adults have received the vaccine worldwide since 1982.
Most people don’t need to get their blood tested after completing the vaccine series (usually three shots). You should get a blood test 1 to 2 months after you complete the series if:
- your sex partner has chronic hepatitis B
- your immune system is not working well (e.g., you are on dialysis or you have AIDS)
- you have a job that exposes you to human blood
Most people do not need booster shots after getting the vaccine series. After vaccination, babies born to infected mothers should get their blood tested at 9 to 15 months of age to be sure that they are protected.
You cannot get HBV from:
- sneezing or coughing
- kissing or hugging
- breast feeding
- food or water
- casual contact (such as an office setting)
- sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses
Only a blood test can tell for sure. See your doctor if you have symptoms of hepatitis (e.g., loss of appetite, joint pain, yellow skin or eyes), or if you think you had direct contact with someone who has hepatitis B.
Department of Health & Human Services Center for Disease Control - www.cdc.gov/hepatitis
Disclaimer
The text presented on Hepatitis B is for informational purposes. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem. Consult your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns in connection with information presented. Information is presented on vaccines so you can make an informed decision regarding vaccination.
Contact the Dean of Students
Max Ammons, Dean of Students
227 ADUC
Morehead, KY 40351
EMAIL: m.ammons@moreheadstate.edu
PHONE: 606-783-2070
PHONE: 606-783-2014
