Hepatitis B Vaccination

Hepatitis B Disclosure

TYPE B HEPATITIS: Type B hepatitis is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus 9 (HBV), usually transmitted by blood products or close personal contact.

HEPATITIS B AND EMPLOYEE HEALTH: Hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an unpredictable disease with a variety of presentations and outcomes. It is estimated that 60-70% of the people who are infected do not become ill. In such cases, the prior infection can only be detected by the presence of antibodies in the blood. Acute symptomatic hepatitis B infection may result in serious liver injuries, which may incapacitate a person from weeks to months. Five to ten percent of the infected become carriers of the virus. Death occurs in 1-2% of patients, either as a result of acute liver failure or other complications. HBV also appears to be the causative factor in the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis B infection or disease.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE: The hepatitis B vaccine is a noninfectious vaccine that affords good protection against all forms of HBV infections. (This vaccine will not prevent hepatitis caused by other agents, such as hepatitis A, non-A, non-B, or any other viruses known to affect the liver.) There is no evidence that the vaccine itself will cause type B hepatitis. Full immunization requires three doses of the vaccine given over a six-month period. The duration of immunity is long-term. However, some persons do not respond to the three doses.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THE VACCINE: Hepatitis B vaccine is indicated for susceptible individuals at risk of contracting hepatitis B infection who have not previously had a clinical hepatitis B infection or have no detectable serum antibody to the agent. This includes infants born to mothers who have a positive test for hepatitis B virus and/or antigen exposure to the hepatitis B virus.

ANTIBODY TESTING: An individual at risk of contracting hepatitis B infection may request antibody testing prior to deciding whether or not to receive the HBV vaccination.

WHO SHOULD PROBABLY NOT TAKE THE VACCINE: The hepatitis B vaccine is contraindicated for pregnant or nursing mothers and for individuals with severely compromised cardiopulmonary status (because of the risk of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction).

POSSIBLE VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS: The observed incidence of side effects is very low. No serious side effects have been reported with the vaccine. A few persons experienced tenderness and redness at the site of injections. Nausea, rash, and joint pain have been reported. A low-grade fever may also occur. In rare cases, there could be serious side effects caused by the administration of the vaccine, even on the first dose.

HEPATITIS B VIRUS VACCINE INFORMATION

You have been informed of the symptoms and modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B virus (HBV). As a Praos user, you have the capability to work at various facilities and healthcare organizations of your choice. You are required to familiarize yourself with the facility’s infection control program, adhere to the facility requirements for vaccination, and contact the facility supervisor for the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs. You understand that the hepatitis B vaccine is available at no cost to facility employees and Praos users who work shifts at these facilities and whose jobs involve the risk of direct contact with blood or other potentially infectious material. You understand that the vaccinations shall be given according to recommendations for standard medical practice in the community. 

You are solely responsible for making an informed decision regarding whether to consent or decline the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine. You have been informed of the method of administration, the risks, and the complications and expected benefits of the vaccine. If you are not vaccinated for hepatitis B, you continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, which is a serious disease. 

You understand that due to your occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, you may be at risk of developing a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Each facility has unique requirements with respect to vaccinations. You may be required to produce proof of vaccination prior to any engagement.

Praos Health provides this document for disclosure and educational purposes only. Praos Health is in no way responsible for your decision to consent to or decline the vaccine, your vaccination status, the environment or facility policies, procedures, and requirements regarding the hepatitis B virus vaccine.