Protected or not? Hepatitis B vaccination status among healthcare workers and the level of protection post-vaccination

Abstract

BackgroundHepatitis B virus infection is one of the major concerns in global health care. With a far-reaching health, social, economic impact, preventive strategies form the cornerstone of its management. Knowledge about vaccination status and protection rendered thereof would aid in more wholesome management among highrisk population groups like healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Hepatitis B vaccination status among Healthcare workers (HCW) and the level of protection post-vaccination. MethodsDuring the study period a total of 420 HCWs were included in the study. The details of vaccination status was ascertained by an online questionnaire. Serum samples were evaluated for HBsAg status and Anti HBs titres to assess the level of protection against HBV infection. Those who were HBsAg negative, anti-HBc total was assessed. ResultsOur study revealed a high vaccination status among HCWs, n-384 (93.2%). However, the percentage of HCWs who were completely vaccinated was low (56.3%). Most of the study population, n-395 (95.6%) had protective titres of anti-HBs which showed a declining trend with increasing duration since the last dose of the vaccine. ConclusionHepatitis B infection continues to be an important health hazard with significant morbidity and mortality. Healthcare workers are at higher risk of contracting the infection. Merely considering the vaccination status without knowing the protective anti-HBs titres is to be discouraged as it has been observed that the protective antibody titres show a declining trend with time as even completely vaccinated individuals had non-protective levels of antibody titres.