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NIOSH Testimony on Hepatitis B Immunization by E. L. Baker, September 12, 1989.

NIOSH

NIOSH 1989 Sep; :1-5

00196921

This testimony offers supplemental comments specifically pertaining to the hepatitis-B vaccine and immunization practices to prevent the spread of hepatitis among members of the population. Hepatitis-B vaccines offer highly safe and effective protection against hepatitis-B virus (HBV) infection in the workplace. All three currently licensed hepatitis-B vaccines are given as series of three doses. Based on available information, hepatitis-B vaccine provides protection against illness and the hepatitis-B carrier state for at least 7 years. Early efforts to immunize health care workers were hindered by the fears that the plasma derived vaccine might be unsafe. Persons planning hepatitis-B vaccination programs may consider the need for testing for antibody to HBV either before or after vaccination. The Immunization Practices Advisory Committee recommended hepatitis-B vaccine for high risk health care workers in 1982. Hepatitis-B vaccine is also recommended for unvaccinated persons who are acutely exposed to HBV such as infants.

NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Testimony; Baker-E-L; Disease-transmission; Disease-vectors; Health-care-personnel; Physicians; Nurses; Nursing; Pharmacists; Radiologists

19890912

Testimony

1989

PB91-169482

A01

Infectious Diseases; Disease and Injury

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health