PROTOCOLO DE ATUAÇÃO EM PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE COM EXPOSIÇÃO POTENCIAL AO VÍRUS DA HEPATITE B NUM HOSPITAL TERCIÁRIO PORTUGUÊS

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a public health problem, as healthcare professionals have a significant risk of illness due to occupational exposure to various organic fluids. Objective: Definition of the Occupational Health Service's approach to health professionals potentially exposed to the hepatitis B virus. Method: Reading articles on the topic published in the PubMed database, recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and description of the performance of the Occupational Health Service regarding the hepatitis b imunity status of Health Professionals. Results: Despite the measures implemented at national level to reduce the transmission of hepatitis B, such as vaccination, there is a significante number of non-immune workers. The Occupational Health Service plays a major key role in the management of this situation. occupational approach to HBV is analyzed, highlighting the prevention strategy through vaccination programmes and the procedures recommended for healthcare professionals who have had contact with the virus. Conclusion: Health professionals are at risk of infection by the HBV virus, and the Occupational Health Service is responsible for identifying and implementing appropriate measures, namely vaccination and confirmation of response to vaccine admnistration, as well as guidance for non-responders.