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#1 Posted : 14 July 2005 16:27:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian Mycroft
I have been asked by one of our first aiders if we would be prepared to pay for Hep. B vaccinations. The last place I worked did have a policy to pay for it should the first aider request it, but obviously did not try to force them to have it. Does anyone have any information on best practice / guidance on this? Do any of your organisations pay for this?

Thanks
Ian
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#2 Posted : 14 July 2005 16:31:00(UTC)
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Posted By J Knight
Hi Ian,

We pay for Hep B for Care Workers, even though they should get this free on the NHS. I guess best practice would be to pay, but I don't know of any reason why employers have to,

John
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#3 Posted : 14 July 2005 16:37:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian Mycroft
Thanks John

I've been informed that the doctor will administer it free of charge but ths individual has to pay the prescription charge (is it about 7 quid?).

Ian
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#4 Posted : 14 July 2005 16:49:00(UTC)
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Posted By MichaelM
Hello Ian

I Worked in an area where this was offered, among other vaccinations, to employees as their job was risk assessed and required it. This could I suppose be thought of as a piece of personal protective equipment and hence they should not be expected to pay it, in addition to the fact that they could turn around and tell your company where to stuff the first aider role.

If the assessment has identified this as a risk, then you must pay the full cost of vaccination. If the assessment hasn't identified this as a risk you don't need to pay.

Michael
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#5 Posted : 14 July 2005 20:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Murgatroyd
It's 3 injections, and a blood test to confirm immunity afterwards.
And in about 30% of cases the immunity is low or none.
At your GP the cost is nil.
But, since it's for work you may have to pay....ask first.
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#6 Posted : 14 July 2005 20:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By D Thomas
I am a first aider and went to my GP who when I discussed that I was a first aider gave me the course of Hep B injections free. I also had Hep A injections and boosters for Tetenus /polio (I am taking no chances).
I am now also a Community First Responder and have been checked for my immunity to TB.
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#7 Posted : 15 July 2005 11:17:00(UTC)
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Posted By Kim Sunley
"HSE advice states that it is not necessary for first aiders to have Hep B vaccination unless indicated by the risk assessment."

see page 8:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg342.pdf

I would beg to differ as you do not know what risks people who you deliver first aid to present. You can't tell by looking at someone whether they have hep B.

Mouth to mouth is low risk, however if you are a first aider in an industry where there is a risk of laceration, degloving type caused by machines or knives e.g. catering or anything that could cause bleeding - I would say that hep b vaccinations should be provided for and paid for by the employer.
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