New
guidance on hepatitis B virus protection among healthcare workers,
including detailed recommendations on postexposure management, have been
published in MMWR.
The guidelines stress the
importance of hepatitis B vaccination of all workers with a "reasonably
anticipated risk for exposure" to body fluids or blood; a complete
vaccine series, including at least three doses, should be given. After
vaccination, workers should be tested for antibody to hepatitis B
surface antigen to determine whether they might need another dose of
vaccine; once immune, no further testing is necessary in immunocompetent
workers.
Among the other highlights of the document: a
helpful table on postexposure management of personnel after percutaneous
and mucosal exposure to blood and body fluids, according to workers'
hepatitis B vaccination and vaccine response status.
SourceLabels: accidental exposure, CDC Guidelines, healthcare workers, Post-exposure