NCJ Number
171864
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1997) Pages: 89-97
Date Published
1997
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This position statement is offered to assist correctional facilities in designing procedures to manage Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Abstract
Control, treatment and prevention of HBV in the correctional setting can be achieved through the following actions: (1) HBV testing of all inmates and identification of high-risk inmates; (2) treatment interventions to aid infected individuals and lower the risks posed by untreated carriers; (3) education and counseling, for all staff and inmates, on modes of transmission, treatment, disease progression, and practices which reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting HBV; (4) vaccination for all inmates or, at the least, vaccination for high-risk inmates, coordinated with the local health department whenever possible; (5) HBV vaccine for health care professionals; and (6) discharge planning so all inmates' HBV vaccination data accompany them when transferred or discharged; referral and linkage to an aftercare provider should be made for patients with active disease. References