title: Literature review of hepatitis B: should eye care practitioners receive a hepatitis B vaccine?
abstract: The incidence of Hepatitis B infection has been steadily increasing over the last 5 years. The current literature has established that eye care practitioners are in the high risk category for contracting and transmitting this serious viral infection. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is present in all bodily fluids including tears and is considered to be more easily transmitted with a higher degree of infectiousness than Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Fortunately, unlike Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis can be prevented with a vaccine. Recent improvements in the hepatitis vaccine have made it safer and more effective. As optometrists expand their scope of practice, it becomes essential to increase the knowledge base and awareness of this clinical entity so informed decisions can be made regarding vaccination by eye care practitioners, teaching faculty, and students.
authors.affiliation: Eye Institute, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Chronister
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gurwood
mesh_terms: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009907:Optometry; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines