Can I take the Hepatitis B vaccination?

Q: Australia antigen (HBsAG) was fpound positive some 7 years back in me and my wife but we have no difficulties. After some yoga & exercise, it became negative this year. Please advise if we can we take vaccination for hepatitis B?

A:I would recommend that you get Hepatitis B surface antibody checked. If this is positive you do not need the vaccine. A positive HBs antibody means you have recovered from hepatitis B and will not get it again. If the test (HBs antibody) is negative, I would recommend you get a single dose of the vaccine and check the HBs antibody after 4 weeks. You should take the second (and third) dose only if the antibody is negative 1 month after taking the first dose.