Selection and Use of Vaccines for Healthcare Workers

Exposure to multiple infectious agents with the potential for disease acquisition is a well-recognized risk for healthcare workers (HCWs) .1-15 Important infectious risks may be classified by their route of transmission and include airborne (eg, tuberculosis, influenza, varicella, measles), droplet (eg, pertussis, meningococcal infection, respiratory syncytial virus), skin contact (eg, ectoparasites, Herpes simplex, colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus); contact with feces (eg, salmonellosis, hepatitis A virus [HAAT], cryptosporidiosis); and parenteral or mucosal exposure to blood or contaminated body fluids (eg, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus). Minimizing the risk of disease acquisition is based on strict adherence to three key recommended interventions: handwashing,16 rapid institution of appropriate isolation precautions for patients with known or suspected communicable diseases,17 and appropriate immunizations. Other important occupational health interventions include an accessible health service; periodic tuberculin skin tests; evaluation of ill employees with potential communicable diseases, with appropriate treatment and work restrictions; evaluation of employees following infectious disease exposures for postexposure prophylaxis and work restrictions; and education of employees, focusing on general infection control guidelines in addition to Occupational Safety and Health Administration