A dose of good information on workers and hepatitis B vaccinations
Questions from a reader, who strives to stay up-to-date on OSHA compliance for her OB/GYN practice by annually attending seminars, points out there is still confusion and misinformation given about hepatitis B (HBV) vaccinations and from experts, no less.
This reader provided examples from an OSHA compliance seminar for medical practices that did not jibe with her understanding of the HBV vaccination requirements, and asked for my take on it.
Below is the misinformation and my attempt to set it straight.
1. If a new employee has previously had the three-step HBV vaccination but cannot provide a vaccination record, a written explanation with the approximate dates is not acceptable. Anyone who cannot provide documentation needs to be re-vaccinated.
First of all, employees are not required to have the HBV vaccination (See Ask the expert: Refusing the hepatitis B vaccination); employers are required to offer it to potentially exposed employees. Also, an OSHA interpretation letter makes it clear that an employee-written vaccination record is acceptable for compliance.
2. The instructor also stated that new hires who have received the series and can provide documentation should be titered and the series be re-administered if the titer is low.
Wrong again. The title of this OSHA interpretation is self-explanatory, but click on link for details: Periodic serologic testing to monitor antibody concentrations after completion of the hepatitis B vaccine three-dose series is not recommended.
3. Finally, anyone vaccinated after 2000 should be titered and given a booster if low.
See previous answer and document link.
Keep checking this blog’s archive to untangle the mysteries of OSHA compliance with HBV vaccinations and documentation. As you can see, it is a popular subject.
Another great resource for HBV vaccinations and healthcare workers is a Q&A by the Immunization Action Committee. It addresses most of the compliance scenarios you are likely to encounter concerning your employees and vaccinations.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 196 posts.
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