Hepatitis B Vaccine Information
The OHSA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) states that Hepatitis B vaccination shall be made available after the employee has received the training required in paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(I) and within 10 working days of initial assignment to all employees who have occupational exposure unless the employee has previously received the complete hepatitis B vaccination series, antibody testing has revealed that the employee is immune, or the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons.
29 CFR 1910.1030.1030(f)(2)(ii) states that the employer shall not make participation in a prescreening program a prerequisite for receiving hepatitis B vaccination.
29 CFR 1910.1030.1030(f)(2)(iii) states that if the employee initially declines hepatitis B vaccination but at a later date while still covered under the standard decides to accept the vaccination, the employer shall make hepatitis B vaccination available at that time.
29 CFR 1910.1030.1030(f)(2)(iv) requires that the employer shall assure that employees who decline to accept hepatitis B vaccination offered by the employer sign the statement in Appendix A of the standard.
29 CFR 1910.1030.1030(f)(2)(v) states that if a routine booster dose(s) of hepatitis B vaccine is recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service at a future date, such booster dose(s) shall be made available in accordance with section (f)(1)(ii).
Source: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051
Are booster doses of Hepatitis B vaccine necessary?
According to the CDC, it depends. A “booster” dose of Hepatitis B vaccine is a dose that increases or extends the effectiveness of the vaccine. Booster doses are recommended only for hemodialysis patients and can be considered for other people with a weakened immune system. Booster doses are not recommended for persons with normal immune status who have been fully vaccinated.