Hepatitis B vaccine uptake among primary healthcare workers in the federal capital territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus is one of the most common blood-borne infections, can infect healthcare personnel through needle punctures, cuts from sharp instruments, or mucocutaneous contact with an infected person's bodily fluids. If an unvaccinated person comes into contact with blood or bodily fluid infected with HBV, their chance of contracting hepatitis B infection ranges from 6% to 30%. This study aims to determine the uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccine among healthcare workers in the federal capital territory's primary healthcare facilities. Methodology: A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. This study included 198 healthcare workers in PHC facilities who are in regular contact with patients and their body fluid samples, encompassing doctors, nurses, Laboratory scientist/laboratory technicians, Community health extension workers and Community health officers. Pharmacists, record officers and administrative staff were excluded because of their reduced risk of exposure to body fluids. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results: The findings of this study showed that 34.6% (66) of the respondents had gotten all three doses of the recommended vaccination, 35.6% (68) had received just a partial vaccine, while 29.8% (47) had received none. Factors such as age, years of experience, and accessibility to vaccination services were significant influencers of vaccine uptake. Conclusion: Low HBV vaccination among primary healthcare workers poses a risk for themselves and their patients. There is an urgent need for a policy that ensures mandatory free hepatitis B vaccination for all healthcare workers.