The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 26, Number 2 | Page 21

A Guide for First Responders HOW CAN FIRST RESPONDERS  PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM  INFECTION? IS HEPATITIS A VACCINE  ROUTINELY RECOMMENDED  FOR FIRST RESPONDERS? No. HAV vaccine is not routinely recommended for first responders as the risk of getting infected can be minimized by using simple precautions. These include: * * * * * Hand hygiene (wash with soap and water or use an alcohol‐ based hand rub) after having contact with another individual and before touching or consuming food. When there is a potential for contact with infectious materials (e.g., stool), gloves should be worn. Gloves should be used only during patient care and removed before performing other tasks to avoid contaminating other surfaces. Hand hygiene should be performed after gloves are removed. * * There is a hepatitis A vaccine which offers protection against HAV. Currently there are no recommendations for first responders to get vaccinated in response to this outbreak. Hand washing and appropriate use of Standard Precautions should provide protection against communicable diseases, including hepatitis A. Persons wanting to obtain immunity who have never been ill with hepatitis A or were not previously vaccinated, should discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider. PHOTO credit: https://opelikaobserver.com/wp‐ content/uploads/2018/09/1498751268.png 20