Employers are required to provide the hepatitis B vaccination series to employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens in the course of their work. This requirement is mandated by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Employers must offer the hepatitis B vaccine at no cost to employees who have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, and the offer must be made within 10 days of the employee's initial assignment to a job with such exposure risk
. Key points about the vaccination requirement include:
- The vaccine series consists of three shots administered according to U.S. Public Health Service recommendations.
- Employers must provide training on the vaccine's efficacy, safety, administration, and benefits before offering it.
- Employees can decline the vaccine but must sign a declination form acknowledging the risks.
- If an exposure incident occurs, unvaccinated employees must be offered the vaccine within 24 hours.
- The vaccination and any necessary follow-up must be provided at a reasonable time and place and under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
- Employers are not required to provide prescreening for immunity before offering the vaccine, nor can they require it as a condition for vaccination.
- Booster doses recommended by public health authorities must also be provided if indicated
This vaccination requirement applies to workers such as healthcare personnel, emergency responders, first-aid providers, morticians, correctional officers, and others who reasonably anticipate contact with blood or infectious materials during their duties
. In summary, employers must provide the hepatitis B vaccination series free of charge to employees at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, ensuring timely access and proper education about the vaccine
