Hepatitis B Seropositivity and Vaccination Coverage among Health Care Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Moradabad, UP, India

Introduction: Hepatitis B is one of the major public health problem globally and is the tenth leading cause of death. In India, HBsAg prevalence among the general population is 4-8%, which place India in an intermediate endemic zone and second largest global pool of chronic hepatitis B infection. Among health care workers sero prevalence is two to four times higher than that of the general population. Healthcare workers are known to be prone to infection with the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through percutaneous or permucosal as with exposures to blood, which occur in the healthcare setting most often as needle sticks or other sharp device injuries. To effectively curb HBV infection prevention programs must be implemented and the applicability of a complete vaccination schedule must be underline. Aim & Objective: The following study was undertaken with the following aim and objective. To study the seropositivity of serum hepatitis in health care workers of TMMC & RC and prophylactic measures in health care workers. Material & Method: Serum sample of 125 health care workers of Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Center was taken during two years duration and tested for HBsAg by rapid card test and ELISA test. Vaccination history was taken from health care workers. Result: The present study was done on 125 health care workers of Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Center. Among 125 health care workers 4 were found HBsAg positive by rapid card test and ELISA test. Out of 125 health care workers 58(46.4%) were fully vaccinated. Conclusion: The risk of hepatitis B infection is well documented among health care workers, although with use of hepatitis B vaccine the incidence of HBV infection in health care workers has decreased. Therefore there is need for well planned and clear policies for HBV screening and vaccination in health care workers.