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Firstly due to the nature of our work we recommend to our maintenance operatives that they have Hepatitis A&B vaccinations (which we pay for).
I have been informed today by one of our operatives that his vaccination has not taken (after two courses).
I have spoken to himm and he is fully aware of the need to wear disposable gloves and ensure any minor cuts are covered over. He is also aware of the need to maintain good personal hygiene and regular use of sanitising gel where hand washing facilities are unavailable.
Anyone got any further information or general advice on the subject?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi,
I would revisit the risk assessment to see if the lack of vaccination can actually be acceptable. Also I would get him to book in with his GP, another course of vaccines could do the trick!
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Rank: Forum user
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I believe that there is a post exposure vaccination which is effective. Perhaps if you advised the employee that if they were to be exposed to body fluids (or suspect that they have) they get medical advice as to whether they get the post vaccination.
I had previously been advised (but some years ago now) that the vaccination you mention doesn't always take expecially if over 40yrs old. Not sure if this still holds or not.
Lilian
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Rank: Super forum user
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L McCartney wrote:I believe that there is a post exposure vaccination which is effective. Perhaps if you advised the employee that if they were to be exposed to body fluids (or suspect that they have) they get medical advice as to whether they get the post vaccination.
I had previously been advised (but some years ago now) that the vaccination you mention doesn't always take expecially if over 40yrs old. Not sure if this still holds or not.
Lilian Some 30% of hep vaccinations will provide reduced or no immunity, or 15% depending upon information source. After two courses I still was not immune....I refused the suggestion that I submit to a third stronger course. Loads of reasons exist for failure....poor immune system, diabetes, alcoholism and HIV infected. And an existing hepatitis infection.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I am intrigued how one gets to know whether a vaccination "has taken"
I had a Hep A jab prior to hols but never thought to wonder whether it had worked.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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JohnMurray wrote: Some 30% of hep vaccinations will provide reduced or no immunity, or 15% depending upon information source.. This is the key point here - inoculation is right at the bottom of the control hierarchy, IMHO, well after PPE and training. Despite being 'immune' you can still end up with HepB!!! From experience having the inoculation can lead to people taking greater risks as they believe them selves immune. It is also prudent to note inoculation comes with a risk factor and side effects! Not saying it shouldn't be offered, but I don't think you can rely on it as a control measure. As for how do we know if it has taken - I think this is done by blood test in a lab.
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Rank: Super forum user
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teh boy has it! - Vaccination does not entirely prevent the risk of contracting. That is assuming you are referring to HepB and not one of the other Hep's (A or E for example) Lots of useful information is available on the DH "Green Book" see http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/...icyAndGuidance/DH_079917With regard to testing - HepA is generally not reliably detected by laboratories following a jab - according to the HPA.
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Rank: Super forum user
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They check the quantity of antibody present in the blood.
As another aside: Those who are being treated with corticosteroids also seem to be likely to have a poor response to the vaccine.
Said treatment is offered for things like Asthma, COPD and arthritis......and of course those who have had an organ transplant will be on long-term immunosuppressants so would be affected.
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Rank: Forum user 
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MEden380 wrote:Firstly due to the nature of our work we recommend to our maintenance operatives that they have Hepatitis A&B vaccinations (which we pay for).
Anyone got any further information or general advice on the subject? You don't actually divulge what specialty your operatives work in. That could be pertinent to this discussion. However, I've been through a similar process with our service engineers - some of whom work on submersible pumps in sewage applications. I found that current best advise is against routine HepA and HepB vaccination for our workers. Here's a decent link to a Scottish Water policy on this subject. Hope it helps. http://www.scottishwater...20AND%20ARRANGEMENTS.PDF
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