Hepatitis B vaccination coverage in healthcare workers in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Hepatitis B (HB) virus (HBV) is highly endemic and HBV infection is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Percutaneous/parenteral transmission is an important mode of spread of HBV in the healthcare setting, thus healthcare workers (HCWs) and their patients are at risk for acquiring HBV infections. This study was conducted on three HCW populations in Gauteng Province during 2009, in order to (1) determine HB vaccination coverage of HCWs, and (2) investigate demographic predictors of vaccination uptake. Being a doctor was a statistically significant predictor of vaccination uptake (odds ratio [OR]: 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48-6.72; p-value: 0.003), while working in the private sector was also statistically significantly associated with vaccination uptake (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.01-2.98; chi-square p-value: 0.035). The majority (67.9% [491/723]) of HCWs had received at least 1 dose of vaccine, but where data on number of doses was available, only 19.9% (94/472) were fully vaccinated. In conclusion, there is a need to increase HB vaccination uptake in Gauteng HCWs through a policy that is properly implemented and routinely monitored and evaluated, and this policy must ensure that all three doses of vaccine are administered.