Hepatitis B is a bloodborne and sexually transmitted virus which causes inflammation of the liver. Many infected people have no symptoms, but others have a flu-like illness with nausea and jaundice. Hepatitis B becomes a chronic infection when the infection persists longer than six months. Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis B infection.
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General prevention
All healthcare workers should be immunised against hepatitis B infection and should be shown to have made a serological response to the vaccine. Universal precautions should be adhered to in the hospital setting. In other occupational groups, such as embalmers and morticians there is also an established risk and immunisation is recommended.
For further details - Guidance for Clinical Healthcare Workers: Protection Against Infection with Blood-borne Viruses. London: Department of Health, March 1998
The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) requires the employer through their occupational health services, to have an appropriate immunisation policy in place. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) requires both employers and employees to take responsibility to avoid any risk where possible e.g. safe handling and disposal of sharp implements and the use of personal protective equipment (gloves, face visors) to minimise exposure to blood or body fluids. Employees are required under COSHH to perform their own assessment of risk and to implement necessary measures to protect both themselves and others. Immunisation against the hepatitis B virus is recommended for all healthcare workers.
Related information
Last reviewed: 7 August 2009