Steve Hanson

If you're a janitorial worker at risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens, then you may want to get vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B (HBV) is a serious disease that is spread through contact with blood or body fluid from an infected person.

The HBV virus can cause the following short-term illnesses: tiredness, loss of appetite, pain in muscles and joints, jaundice, diarrhea and vomiting. It can also cause chronic illness that can lead to liver damage, liver cancer and even death.

The vaccine is given in a series of 3 doses. The second dose should be given at least one month after the first dose and the third dose should be given at least two months after the second dose. There are certain people who should not get the vaccine and there may also be side affects so be sure to discuss this with your doctor first.

OSHA requires that employers offer the Hepatitis B vaccine to all employees who may be at risk of exposure. If an employee chooses not to get the vaccine they should sign a Hepatitis B Vaccination Declination form that states the following:

"I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no charge to me; however, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining this vaccine I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease. If, in the future I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the vaccination series at no charge to me."

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Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.