Skip to content | Change text size
Information aboutForms & DocumentsMore InformationEvents & ProgramsAbout Us
  

Occupational Health and Safety Information Sheet - Hepatitis B Immunisation for First Aiders

Occupational Health & Safety Issues - Information Sheet No. 12

1. Hepatitis B - what is it and how is it transmitted?

Hepatitis B is a viral disease which affects the liver and it is a major public health problem world-wide. Infection with the Hepatitis B virus results in a serious illness and in some cases long term liver damage including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis B is transmitted by direct physical contact with infected blood or other infected body fluids or tissues.

2. Are first aiders at risk of Hepatitis B?

Yes. First aiders are expected to be able to manage a variety of injuries, including those associated with blood loss. When treating an injured person, the first aider has no way of knowing whether or not the person is carrying the Hepatitis B virus.

3. Do infection control procedures give sufficient protection?

First aiders are taught and must always use correct infection control procedures. In most cases, the normal procedures will give protection against Hepatitis B. In the emergency situation, however, there is still the potential to come into direct contact with blood and body fluids.

4. Is Hepatitis B immunisation recommended?

Yes. Any person involved in any aspect of health care, whether daily or occasionally, should have Hepatitis B immunisation. This includes first aiders at the workplace.

5. What does Hepatitis B immunisation involve?

The immunisation schedule requires 3 injections over a 6 month period. The first 2 injections are given one month apart and the final injection is given 6 months after the first. A blood test is required 2-3 months after the 3rd injection to check immunity.

6. Does immunity always develop after the 3 injections?

Experience shows that for most people, adequate immunity is reached by the 3 injections. It is important to check each person's immunity 2-3 months after the 3rd injection. This involves a blood test. If the blood test shows that the first aider has developed sufficient immunity to Hepatitis B, then no further injections are required. If immunity does not develop sufficiently, then a further injection is given, followed by another blood test. Very occasionally the first aider will require yet another injection and blood test. Most people require only the basic schedule.

7. Are there any side effects of the Hepatitis B immunisation?

Overall, reactions to hepatitis B are few. The most common reaction is an ache or swelling or redness at the injection site and this usually settles after a day or so. Occasional reactions include fever, headache, nausea, and fatigue, while more severe reactions are very rare. Hepatitis B immunisation has been given to millions of people world wide and there is good information about it. It is now given to infants as part of the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule recommended by the NH&MRC.

8. What if I have existing health problems?

If you are unsure about any aspect of your health, you should discuss these concerns with the clinic staff prior to immunisation. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire which asks about specific health issues as these may affect the response to immunisation. If you have any questions arising from the questionnaire or in relation to your health, raise them with clinic staff.

9. Can I refuse the Hepatitis B immunisation?

Hepatitis B immunisation is strongly recommended for first aiders. Hepatitis B is a serious disease and you should think very carefully about the increased risk of exposure to Hepatitis B infection and its serious consequences when vaccination is not completed.

If you have any concerns about having this immunisation, you should contact OHSE prior to commencing first aid training.

10. What happens if a first aider is exposed?

If, during an emergency, a first aider has direct skin contact with a patient's blood or other body fluids, the first aider should:

  • wash the exposed area with warm soapy water;
  • report the incident immediately to the Biosafety Officer (if one exists) or Safety Officer who will immediately contact Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety will arrange for a blood test to be done, from both the exposed person and the injured person if possible and will check records of any previous Hepatitis B immunisation.

If the first aider has not been immunised:

If it has not been possible to ascertain that the injured person was not a Hepatitis B carrier, then Hepatitis B immunoglobulin will need to be given (to give immediate protection from hepatitis B infection) within 24 hours and an immunisation course started within 7 days (to enable longer term immunity to develop).

If the first aider has been fully immunised:

If the first aider's immunisation records show immunity to Hepatitis B was achieved, then no further action is required.

The most critical step in this pathway is for the first aider to report immediately that there has been or may have been exposure to blood or body fluids. This should be done whether or not immunised.

11. Who will arrange Hepatitis B immunisation for first aiders?

Contact your biosafety officer, safety officer or supervisor to arrange for these immunisations.

Medical questionnaire/consent forms are obtained from Occupational Health and Safety and when completed are returned to Occupational Health and Safety.

Occupational Health and Safety will send out authorization and details for the immunisation course.

12. Who pays for the immunisation course and the blood test?

If you are a first aider at Monash University, then your department pays for the immunisation course and the blood test.

13. For further information

Contact the Occupational Health Nurse, at Occupational Health and Safety:

Implementation date: May 2002
Review date: October 2007