Duty of Care - Vaccination
for Hepatitis A & B
Where there is a high risk of contacting
hepatitis B at work, a vaccination protocol should be included
in the a policy for prevention and control of infectious disease
for the workplace and where appropriate, vaccination should
be available free of charge. Employees should always be advised
to discuss vaccinations with a medical practitioner.
The Vaccine for hepatitis B is given by injection
into muscle and has a three dose schedule, with injections
provided one month and three months after the initial dose.
It is also suggested that 6 weeks after the
final injection. A blood test is carried out after the third
dose to verify whether the person has developed immunity.
Between five and ten percent of people who have the vaccination
might not develop immunity. Based on present knowledge, a
booster is not required for people who have no defect in their
immune system. I have also been in formed that it is possible
that Hepatitis A & B be done this is called Twin Rix injection.
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease, which
causes the liver to be become swollen (inflamed) and can cause
long-term complications such as liver failure and liver cancer.
It is caused by a virus (hepatitis B virus) which is found
in body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or
saliva of infected people.
The hepatitis A virus can be passed from person to person
in food and drink and possibly by swimming in water contaminated
by sewage. The virus can survive in the environment for several
weeks in the right conditions ( for example, in sewage).The
vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection
(antibodies) against these two viruses.
For further information on the control of infectious diseases
in the workplace, contact the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
of Western Australia (ph: (08)9365 7555) UnionsWA (ph: (08)9328
7877) or WorkSafe Western Australia (ph: (08)9327 8777). |
