Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem (Jan 2023)

Serological and vaccine evaluation for hepatitis B among Community Health Workers

  • Tauana de Souza Amaral,
  • Clery Mariano da Silva Alves,
  • Fabiana Ribeiro Rezende,
  • Karlla Antonieta Amorim Caetano,
  • Anaclara Ferreira Veiga Tipple

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.6107.3765
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 31

Abstract

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Abstract Objective: to identify the vaccination and serological status against hepatitis B among community health workers; to vaccinate against hepatitis B virus and to evaluate the immune response of susceptible workers. Method: phase I, cross-sectional and descriptive study, among community health workers in a capital city of the Midwest region, through a self-administered questionnaire, checking of vaccination cards, and blood collection for testing of serological markers for hepatitis B. Phase II, cohort study carried out in vaccinated non-immune workers identified in phase I. They received one dose of vaccine (challenge dose) and serological testing. Results: a total of 109 workers participated in the study. Most had vaccination record (97; 89.0%) and vaccination completeness (75; 77.3%), while the isolated anti-HBs (Antibodies against hepatitis B virus) marker was detected in 78 (71.6%) workers. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus exposure was 8.2%. Of the ten non-immune vaccinated workers, after challenge dose, one remained susceptible. Conclusion: although most workers are vaccinated and show immunological response to hepatitis B, susceptibility after challenge dose was identified. Therefore, it is necessary to have a surveillance program of the vaccination situation and serological status for this virus, to promote these workers’ safety.

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