Question

A healthcare worker sustains a needlestick injury from a patient known to be hepatitis B surface antigen positive with a high viral load. The worker has never been vaccinated against hepatitis B. What is the most appropriate post-exposure management?

Accepted Answer

Give a full course of hepatitis B vaccination plus hepatitis B immunoglobulin as soon as possible

Answer

No action is needed as risk is low

Answer

Give hepatitis B vaccination only at the next routine clinic

Answer

Start oral antiviral therapy for life

Answer

Test for hepatitis B in 6 months and take no immediate action

Practice question

A healthcare worker sustains a needlestick injury from a patient known to be hepatitis B surface antigen positive with a high viral load. The worker has never been vaccinated against hepatitis B. What is the most appropriate post-exposure management?