Skip to main content
OSHA and the hepatitis B Vaccine with Modern Practice Solutions

OSHA and the Hepatitis B Vaccine: What Are Your Rights and Responsibilities?

Most dental professionals recognize the risk of contracting hepatitis B while working in the dental field. They also understand that the hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against the virus. However, during training Q & A sessions, we often find that employees and employers are unsure about their rights and responsibilities regarding the Hep B vaccine. To clarify, here are some common questions and answers to demystify the requirements.

Am I, as an employer, required to have my employees vaccinated for hepatitis B?

The OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard requires employers to offer the hepatitis B vaccine to all employees with occupational exposure. This offer must occur after the employee receives training and within 10 working days of their initial assignment. However, employers are not required to mandate vaccination; they only need to provide the vaccine free of charge.

Do I, as the employer, have to pay for my employees’ vaccines?

Yes, employers must cover the cost of the vaccine for employees with occupational exposure. Employees cannot be required to pay for their own hepatitis B vaccinations.

What if I am an employee and do not want to be vaccinated for hepatitis B?

Employees may choose to decline the vaccine. If they do, they must sign the declination form, which is included in Appendix A of the bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

What happens if an employee initially declines the hepatitis B vaccine but later decides to get vaccinated?

If the employee is still covered under the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard, the employer must provide the vaccine free of charge whenever the employee decides to accept it.

Are employers required to provide hepatitis B booster shots to employees?

The OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard requires employers to offer routine booster doses of the hepatitis B vaccine at no cost to employees if the U.S. Public Health Service recommends it. However, the CDC does not currently recommend a booster for most individuals, as immunity from the hepatitis B vaccine generally lasts a lifetime. For more details, visit the Hepatitis B Vaccination page.

Can employers require employees to be screened for immunity before offering the hepatitis B vaccine?

No, the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard explicitly prohibits employers from requiring employees to participate in a prescreening program as a condition for receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.

Want to learn more about Modern Practice Solutions?

By Caitlin Denison

Resources

Author

  • Modern Practice Solutions

    If you need support with OSHA and HIPAA compliance, you’re in the right place. Since 2000, we’ve been helping dental practices navigate these complex regulations. We understand the increasing challenges posed by evolving compliance requirements, cyber threats, and the significant government penalties for non-compliance. Let us help you stay protected and compliant.

    View all posts

Compliance Law, Dental Law, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Modern Practice Solutions, OSHA


Modern Practice Solutions

If you need support with OSHA and HIPAA compliance, you’re in the right place. Since 2000, we’ve been helping dental practices navigate these complex regulations. We understand the increasing challenges posed by evolving compliance requirements, cyber threats, and the significant government penalties for non-compliance. Let us help you stay protected and compliant.