Hepatitis B Program for Health Care Personnel: Education,Serologic Surveillance,Immunization

Abstract

A program was developed at a 294-bed community hospital in Western Massachusetts to educate employees to Hepatitis B Virus Infection (HBVI), determine risk levels, and provide potential protection via immunization. Employee responses to education, baseline and post-vaccination serology (Anti-HBs), and immunization were evaluated. Personnel at HBVI risk were identified. Employees with responsibilities associated with blood, blood products and body fluids exposures were assigned to the Priority 1 Group (P1G). Employees received information on the education program, HBVI and vaccine. Fifty-three percent attended the education component. Serology screened susceptible employees. Seventeen employees (10%) were Anti-HBs positive. Post vaccination serology documented immunity A total of 73 people completed the vaccination series with 53 (73%) becoming immune. After receiving booster doses, 11 more persons seroconverted. Conversions, booster efficacy age, sex, job, number of years in health care and at the hospital were evaluated.

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