Measuring the Invisible Armor Due to Emerging Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Anti-hepatitis B surface Antibody Levels and Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Salem

CONTEXT: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant occupational health hazard among healthcare workers due to frequent exposure to blood and body fluids. Despite the availability of effective vaccination, gaps in vaccination coverage and inadequate postvaccination immunity persist, particularly in resource-limited settings. Measurement of anti-hepatitis B surface (anti-HBs) antibody levels provides an objective assessment of immune protection against HBV infection. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess hepatitis B vaccination status and evaluate anti-HBs antibody levels among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital at Salem, Tamil Nadu. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 225 healthcare workers were included in the study. Vaccination status was recorded as fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or not vaccinated. Serum samples were tested for anti-HBs antibody levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Individuals with anti-HBs antibody titers ≥10 IU/ml were considered protected, whereas those with titers <10 IU/ml were considered unprotected. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: Among the 225 healthcare workers, 82 were fully vaccinated, 132 were partially vaccinated, and 11 were not vaccinated. Protective anti-HBs antibody levels were observed in varying proportions across occupational groups, with doctors showing the highest number of protected individuals. A considerable proportion of housekeeping staff and nursing staff remained unprotected despite partial vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights suboptimal hepatitis B vaccination coverage and inadequate protective antibody levels among healthcare workers. Regular monitoring of anti-HBs antibody titers and strengthening complete vaccination coverage are essential to ensure occupational safety.