Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and serological status among health care workers exposed to occupational biological hazards

Abstract

Introduction: Health care workers are often exposed to hepatitis B infection during the course of their professional roles. Objectives: To analyze the hepatitis B vaccination coverage and the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B among health care professionals who were exposed to contaminated biological material at a hospital complex. Methods: This descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study is based on the analysis of accident notification form data (n = 2,466) from a hospital complex covering the period between 2011 and 2020. Results: Among the affected individuals, women (69.5%), medical residents (35.7%), and nursing staff (25.5%) accounted for the highest proportion of hazards. Regarding vaccination status, 98% of the health care professionals reported being fully immunized, and antibodies were detected in 90.9% of the participants. Percutaneous exposure (76.4%) was the most prevalent type of hazard, with blood being the most commonly involved material (79.4%). Conclusions: The findings show that despite the risks of Hepatitis B contamination associated with the incidents, the professionals were protected due to the high vaccination coverage and evidence of immunity.