The Karnataka Health Department is launching a vaccination campaign to immunize 56,000 healthcare workers against Hepatitis B using over two lakh vaccine doses. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation.

Under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), the drive aims to protect healthcare workers who are at risk of exposure to infectious materials such as blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated medical supplies. Each worker will receive three doses of the vaccine at one-month intervals.

Stocks of the Hepatitis B vaccine have been delivered to the state vaccine warehouse in Bengaluru and are being distributed to district drug warehouses. The vaccine will be administered to medical and paramedical staff at sub-centers, primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals.

Coordination with Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) officers and District Tuberculosis Control Officers is crucial for ensuring the smooth supply and administration of the vaccine. Vaccination data will be recorded in the NVHCP/MIS portal, and staff will undergo training on vaccine administration and reporting.