Hepatitis B Immunoprophylaxis: Developing a Cost-Effective Program in the Hospital Setting

Abstract

There are several goals of a hepatitis B immunoprophylaxis program. Prevention of clinical disease and carrier status in healthcare workers (HCW) is the primary goal. In addition, the uncommon incidence of staff transmitting hepatitis B infection (HBV) to patients should not continue with available methods of prevention. The prevention of disease is not only desirable from a public health standpoint, it is also needed to protect health centers from liability that may result from the occurrence of preventable diseases of occupational origin, such as HBV.