HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION           

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is known to be a cause of acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Groups at risk to contract the virus include (1) homosexual men; (2) parenteral drug users; (3) those engaging in heterosexual activity with infected individuals; (4) health care workers who are exposed to blood and body secretions or excretions (includes accidental needle sticks); (5) staff and clients at institutions for the developmentally disabled; (6) staff and patients in hemodialysis units. Students in the health professions are part of risk group (4). The potential risk for students may be compounded by virtue of their relative inexperience as beginners in safe technique.

Because of the risk to health and career opportunity of exposure to HBV during medical education, it is now policy of the University of Illinois College of Medicine that all medical students complete the HBV vaccination series during the M-1 year. First year students will not be allowed to enroll in the M-2 year unless the 3 dose series is completed.

The HIV (AIDS) virus is transmitted similarly to the Hepatitis B virus. No vaccination/ immunization is available at this time. Students are cautioned to use extreme care (gloves, hand washing, masks) when dealing with the blood or body fluids of all patients.