Agenda - Council - 05/14/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I I I I Case # ~.. HEPATITIS B VACCINATION By: Kay McAIoney, Personnel Coordinator Background: Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection which can be debilitating and in some cases fatal. Because Hepatitis B is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, certain groups of people are at a greater risk of infection than others. The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has directed all employers to evaluate their employees to assess their risk of Hepatitis B infection as it relates to their jobs. In the fall of 1991, this will become law and there will be severe monetary penalties by OSHA on employers for non-compliance. If a substantial exposure risk is assessed, the employer must offer, to those employees, the Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost to the employee. Substantial exposure risk is defined as regular exposure to infectious agents, body fluids, or needle sticks during the course of performing one's job duties. The City of Ramsey has identified the following employees to be considered "at risk" of Hepatitis B infection in the performance of their job: Sworn police officers Fire fighters It is highly recommended that the employees who have been identified as among the risk groups be immunized against the Hepatitis B virus. Immunization for Hepatitis B is optional. Although it is recommended that employees be immunized, there are exceptions including: persons who have had Hepatitis B; persons who have previously been immunized against Hepatitis B; and persons with severely compromising cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) problems. Current medical standards require three doses of Hepatitis vaccine. The timeframe of the doses are: one initial dose, a second dose at one month, and the third dose at six months. Observations: As we were notified of this requirement after finalizing the 1991 budget, no funding for Hepatitis B vaccinations was allocated. The Budget Committee reviewed the requirement at their April 23, 1991 meeting. Questions were raised at that time including "what if someone has been treated for hepatitis in the past, do they still need treatment?" Nancy Relier, Health Care Specialist from Berkley Administrators (formerly EBA), stated that during the initial testing for the first vaccination the clinic will determine if there is a need for the Hepatitis B vaccination. Another question asked was "What if other employees want the vaccination, does the City have to provide the vaccination at City expense?" Ms. Reller responded that the City should first determine those employees of substantial risk to Hepatitis B infection. Information should be provided to all employees describing how Hepatitis B is transmitted and the procedure for the vaccination. Ms. Relier further stated that after the aforementioned information is disseminated and understood, if an employee feels that they have a risk of infection, they very well may be at risk and therefore should receive thee vaccination. gl