EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS-B VACCINE ACCEPTANCE AMONG URBAN PARAMEDICSAND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS

Background: The epidemiologic pattern of hepatitis B vaccination accep tance has not been thoroughly examined in medical first responders. Me thods: A blood-borne pathogen questionnaire was administered to 255 pa ramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a large, urban fi re department.Results: The overall prevalence of hepatitis B vaccinati on was 78%. The most frequently cited reason for not getting vaccinate d was fear of contracting the hepatitis B virus from the vaccination ( 26%). Vaccination scheduling difficulties (23%) and lack of time to ge t vaccinated (20%) were also cited. Increased age, being an EMT, and n ot having obtained the rank of officer were independently and signific antly associated with not having been vaccinated. Conclusions: Educati onal campaigns for medical first responders are needed to increase vac cination compliance, with a special emphasis on older workers and EMTs . Administrative barriers, such as vaccination scheduling difficulties , should also be addressed.