The optimisation of the use of economic resources for hepatitis B vaccination of health care workers

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its sequelae is a significant public health problem. Health-care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of occupational exposure to HBV. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends health-care institutions to administer hepatitis B vaccine (0, 1 and 6 months) to HCWs at risk and to check their post-vaccination titre to ensure seroprotectivity. The main aim of this study was to develop a cost-effective protocol for HBV vaccination of HCWs. Materials and Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted in the Department of Infection control in a tertiary care hospital from January 2014 to June 2015. Three hundred and ninety-one unvaccinated and 10 remotely vaccinated HCWs were immunised with standard 3 doses (0,1 and 6 months) and a challenge dose of hepatitis B vaccine, respectively, and their anti-hepatitis B surface antibody-titre (HBs titres) were checked 2 months later. Results: Based on the anti-HBs titres , the HCWs were classified as non-responders ( Conclusions: The seoconversion rate to hepatitis B vaccine was high. The anti-HBs titres of remotely vaccinated HCWs were adequate. Booster doses are not necessary. We emphasise all health-care institutions to follow this cost effective approach rather than pre-vaccination screening for infective hepatitis markers.