Healthcare Workers: Preventing Hepatitis B & C

Why You Are At Risk

Splashes, sprays, and needlesticks are common modes of transmission. If there’s any risk of your coming into contact with blood or body fluids during your workday, know that:

• You can become infected if blood or body fluids containing HBV or HCV get into your mouth, eyes, or nose, or into a cut, scrape, burn, rash, or hangnail on your skin.

• Some of the tasks that could put you at risk include giving injections, handling lab specimens, and cleaning work areas or patient rooms.

Steps to Protect Yourself

• Get the HBV vaccine at your worksite.

• Always wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) that’s appropriate for the task.

• Wash your hands before and after any contact with patients or possibly contaminated items.

• Properly dispose of all sharps and other waste.

Choose to Be Vaccinated

The hepatitis B vaccine protects you against HBV. (The vaccine does NOT protect you from HCV. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.) The vaccine is often given in a series of three injections over a period of six months. You must get all three injections to be protected.

If You’re Exposed Immediately wash any part of your body that comes into direct contact with blood or other body fluids. Report any exposure to your supervisor right away. You’ll be advised about proper follow-up. Even if you’ve received the HBV vaccine, you may need a booster shot and other medical attention.