The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/AREA SUPERVISOR will ensure that all employees who have been identified as having exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials are offered the Hepatitis B vaccine, at no cost to the employee. The vaccine will be offered within 10 working days of their initial assignment to work involving the potential for occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
The vaccine will be administered to the employee by or under a licensed physician or under supervision of another licensed health care professional. It will be made available to the employee during normal work hours at a reasonable time. Occupational Medicine administers the vaccination at:
Occupational Medicine (Immunization)
Silverstein Pavilion, ground floor
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center (UPMC)
34th and Spruce Streets
215-662-2354
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Employees who decline the Hepatitis B vaccine will be asked to sign a Declination waiver which uses the following wording:
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 myself. 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.
A copy of this declination waiver can be found on the EHRS web site. The vaccine will be provided at no cost to employees who initially decline the vaccine but later wish to receive it.