Exposure to blood borne viruses and the hepatitis B vaccination status among healthcare workers in inner London.
Occupational exposure to blood borne viruses was examined during one year at a London teaching hospital. A total of 236 incidents occurred of which 83% were related to sharps, 32% were clearly avoidable, and 7% involved an infected source patient. Overall uptake of hepatitis B vaccine was 78% but it was particularly low in paramedical (70%) and domestic staff (45%). Continued effort needs to be applied to improve uptake of hepatitis B vaccine and to maintain high standards of control of infection.
Gyawali
P
P
Department of Virology, Guy's NHS Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Rice
P S
PS
Tilzey
A J
AJ
D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D006282:Health Personnel; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008131:London; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000150:complications; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines