INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis B (HBV) is an occupational risk factor for Health Care Practitioners (HCPs). HBV vaccine has been recommended since 1982 for use by HCPs to prevent HBV infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vaccination coverage and post vaccination immunization status among HCPs and their beliefs regarding HBV vaccine.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross sectional, questionnaire based, descriptive study was carried out in four tertiary care hospitals (POF Hospital, Shifa International Hospital, RMC allied Hospitals and Mayo Hospital) of Pakistan.
RESULTS
After obtaining informed consent, a total of 300 participants were provided with questionnaire out of which 276 participants responded. There were 169 doctors (61.2%) and 107 registered nurses (38.8%). 59.4% participants were fully vaccinated, 15.2% had received 2 doses of vaccine, 9.1% received only one dose and 16.3% were unvaccinated. Out of fully vaccinated HCPs, 52.1% had checked their immunization status and 92% of them were immunized according to their antibody titres. Beliefs regarding effectiveness of HBV vaccine and its safety among HCPs were 98.6% and 92% respectively.
CONCLUSION
The vaccination coverage of HBV and confirmation of post vaccination immunity status is low among health care workers of Punjab, Pakistan. Further studies should be done to establish reasons for this low vaccination coverage and to ensure adequate antibody titres. Health policies should also be revised to make it mandatory for all health care professionals to be immunized before dealing with patients.
Key words: HBV vaccination, Antibody titre, Pakistan, Hepatitis B, Healthcare workers
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