Building the evidence for hepatitis B vaccination programs for students and researchers working with biological samples in Indian Institutes of Higher Education.

Background: Individuals working with biological samples in Indian universities are at risk for occupational exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and may not be vaccinated.

Aim: We documented the need for HBV vaccination in students and others, developed an institutional HBV vaccination program, delivered HBV vaccines, and then assessed the determinants of vaccine uptake.

Methods: Over a year, we conducted a prospective cohort study documenting the need for HBV vaccination in people working with biological materials in a major Indian institution, developed a HBV vaccination program, delivered HBV vaccines, and assessed determinants of vaccine uptake. In August 2018, a needs assessment determined exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious material in the research setting, followed in September by a cross-sectional survey on HBV vaccination status. Institutional approval for vaccination followed in October, and vaccine clinics began in February 2019. In September, a follow-up survey investigated determinants of vaccine uptake.

Results: A total of 185 people participated in the baseline HBV vaccination status survey. Only 26% of students, staff, and faculty were fully vaccinated for HBV. Over 70% of the target group came forward for vaccination and >90% completed all doses. Getting vaccinated with peers strongly influenced vaccine uptake, as did availability of free vaccine, onsite clinics, and reminders.

Conclusion: HBV vaccination programs for individuals at occupational risk are needed in Indian academic institutions beyond medical schools as part of institutional biosafety programs.