EXPOSURE TO BLOOD-BORNE VIRUSES AND THE HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION STATUS AMONG HEALTH-CARE WORKERS IN INNER LONDON

Occupational exposure to blood borne viruses was examined during one y ear at a London teaching hospital. A total of 236 incidents occurred o f which 83% were related to sharps, 32% were clearly avoidable, and 7% involved an infected source patient. Overall uptake of hepatitis B va ccine was 78% but it was particularly low in paramedical (70%) and dom estic staff (45%). Continued effort needs to be applied to improve upt ake of hepatitis B vaccine and to maintain high standards of control o f infection.