Vaccinations

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 require employers to assess the risks from exposure to hazardous substances, including pathogens (called biological agents in COSHH), and to bring into effect the measures necessary to protect workers and others from those risks as far as is reasonably practicable. 

In addition, the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) states that employers, employees and the self-employed have specific duties to protect, so far as reasonably practicable, those at work and others who may be affected by their work activity, such as contractors, visitors and patients. 

The most effective method for preventing laboratory-acquired infections is the adoption of safe working practices. Immunisation should never be regarded as a substitute for good laboratory practice, although it does provide additional protection. 

Local COSHH risk assessments for each department will identify specific hazardous substances, the control measures that are in place, and if vaccination is indicated. 

The objective of occupational immunisation of laboratory staff is to protect workers at high risk of exposure and their families, to protect other staff from exposure to infected workers, and to sustain the workforce. Potential exposure to pathogens, and therefore the type of immunisation required, may vary from workplace to workplace. 

Following immunisation, the managers of those at risk of occupational exposure to certain infections, as well as the workers themselves, need to have sufficient information about the outcome of the immunisation to allow appropriate decisions to be made about possible work restrictions (e.g., if immunity is not achieved), and about post-exposure treatment following known or suspected exposure. 

Hepatitis B 

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for laboratory staff who may have direct contact with blood and/ or blood-stained samples or tissues. A primary course of Hepatitis B vaccine consists of 3 doses at 0, 1, 2 months. Following this, a blood test (antibody titre) is taken 1-4 months after the 3rd dose to identify the level of immunity acquired. This information is important and allows appropriate decisions to be made concerning post-exposure treatment in the event of known or suspected accidental exposure to the virus. This result should also be included in management COSHH records. 

Polio 

Staff regularly handling faecal specimens who are likely to be exposed to Polio viruses should be offered a booster with a Polio-containing vaccine every ten years. 

Diphtheria 

Staff who may be exposed to Diphtheria in microbiology laboratories and clinical infectious disease units should be tested and, if necessary, given a booster dose of a Diphtheria-containing vaccine. An antibody test should be performed at least three months after immunisation to confirm protective immunity, and the individual should be given a booster dose at ten-year intervals thereafter. 

Rabies 

Rabies vaccination is recommended for those staff who work with the virus, or handle specimens from imported primates or other animals that may be infected. A primary course consists of 3 vaccines, and booster doses may be indicated for those at on-going risk every 3-5 years depending on titre (immunity) levels, therefore a blood test is required at this stage. 

Hepatitis A 

Raw, untreated sewage is frequently contaminated with Hepatitis A. Immunisation is, therefore, recommended for workers at risk of repeated exposure to raw sewage, including first line responders in the event of flooding, who should be identified following a local risk assessment. A primary course consists of x1 doses, the 2nd dose administered 6-12 months following the 1st.  

For more information on Work Travel Related Vaccinations, please see our webpage:

Work Travel Related Vaccinations