What if I refuse the hepatitis B vaccination offered by my employer?

An employee has a right to refuse the vaccination. If you do, however, you should realize that without the hepatitis B immunization three-injection series or evidence of immunity from previous viral infection, you remain at risk for acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This DNA virus remains the major infection control target for the OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, as it considered the most infectious bloodborne virus. Because OSHA considers HBV infection one of the most important protections that a health care worker can have, the OSHA regulations require the employee to sign a waiver if vaccination is refused. If you change your mind in the future, the employer does have to pay to vaccinate you then.