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HEPATITIS B VACCINATION COVERAGE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN GREECE

ANNA PSARROU 1, IOANNIS MOISOGLOU 3, EVANGELIA MEIMETI 2, GEORGE DOUNIAS 4, ANASTASIA KIKEMENI 4, SPYROS SIAKAVELLAS 5, GRIGORIOS LEON 6, MARTHA-SPYRIDOULA KATSAROU 2, MARIA LAGIOU 2, BORIS N. IZOTOV 7, NIKOLAOS DRAKOULIS 2*

1.First Department of Internal Medicine, 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, Greece
2 .Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
3 .Quality Assurance and Continuing Education Unit, General Hospital of Lamia, Greece
4 .Occupational & Environmental Health, National School of Public Health in Athens, Greece
5 .Department of Gastroenterology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
6 .Medicolegal office, Alexandras Ave. 120, Athens, Greece
7 .Department of Analytical Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Sechenov University, 119991, Moscow, Russia

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It has been reported that hepatitis B virus (HBV) is 10 times more infectious than hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 100 times more infectious than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although there are two approved and very effective antivirals that quickly reduce the viral load (HBV DNA) and the risk of liver damage, vaccination prevention still represents the ideal intervention to reduce the spread of the disease and to protect public health. A literature review of the studies published in English on hepatitis B vaccination coverage of healthcare professionals in Greece during the 2006 - 2016 period was conducted. The literature review highlighted 12 studies. Healthcare professionals’ vaccine rate ranged between 55% and 88%. Doctors had the higher vaccination rate among healthcare professionals and registered nurses compared to nurses’ aides (p < 0.05). Higher educational level, knowledge of hepatitis B and a positive attitude toward vaccines (p < 0.05) revealed as the variables that affect positively healthcare professionals to be vaccinated. Mandatory vaccination of professionals within a health policy with regard to vaccination, as well as the implementation of information programs for them, are two important interventions that may increase vaccination coverage rates.