Hepatitis B vaccination of heath care workers is not yet a reality

ABSTRACT

It is well documented that health care workers (HCW) have a higher prevalence of hepatitis B markers, and a higher risk of acquiring hepatitis than the general population does. In this study, we obtained the prevalence of vaccination against hepatitis B among HCW in a tertiary hospital, evaluated the reasons why hospital personnel did not use the vaccine, and we determined the prevalence of accidents which carried the potential of infection among the professional staff. HCW at possible risk were included in the study. The investigation showed that 39.3 percent of HCW were completely vaccinated, 12.9 percent received only partial vaccination, 8.4 percent were in the process of a vaccination series, 36.5 percent were never vaccinated, and 2.8 percent had passive immunization against hepatitis B virus. Lack of opportunity and difficulty in obtaining the vaccine were the main reasons given for non-vaccination. Of the non-vaccinated, 84.5 percent declared an intention to take the vaccine. Accidents with a potential for infection were observed in 57.9 percent of the population (sharp object accidents in 48.6 percent, accidents involving contact with blood or body fluids on mucous membranes in 27.6 percent and incision related accidents in 5.3 percent). The accidents were grouped into categories of risk of infection according to profission or medical speciality. Surgeons had the highest number of accidents. Strategies for vaccination campaign plans include an emphasis on the risks of exposure to the virus, discussion about the efficacy and safety of vaccination, and counselling to eliminate reistence to immunization.