Author information

• ¹Department of Hepatitis, National Public Health Organization, 3-5 Agrafon Street, 15123 Athens, Greece.
• ²School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2 Thivon Street, 11527 Athens, Greece.
• ³Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece.
• ⁴Directorate of Research, Studies and Documentation, National Public Health Organization, 3-5 Agrafon Street, 15123 Athens, Greece.

Abstract

Despite the outstanding progress that has been made in the prevention, detection, and management of hepatitis B during the past decades, hepatitis B remains a problem among healthcare personnel (HCP) in many countries. We reviewed studies on all aspects of hepatitis B in HCP published from 2017 through April 2023. They revealed wide variations on the prevalence of infection among HCP, ranging from 0.6% in Europe to >8.7% in Africa, almost always in association with very low vaccination rates. Many studies found a significant association between HCP's knowledge about hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccines, their vaccination status, and practices. This research also discloses global inequities regarding vaccination policies against hepatitis B, free-of-charge vaccinations, and access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Strategies to prevent and manage accidental exposures are needed in order to reduce the burden of hepatitis B on HCP, while written policies for all aspects of infection prevention, protective equipment, and PEP should be available. Lastly, HCP should be accordingly educated. These are all imperative given the decline of routine vaccinations in the COVID-19 era, particularly in countries with fragile vaccination programs, and the disruptions of interventions for hepatitis B that are expected to provide a pool of virus transmission to future generations.