Government has decided to vaccinate all health care workers, involved in conducting deliveries, giving injections and exposed to blood or blood products, for Hepatitis-B.

In a statement, Health Ministry said, Hepatitis-B vaccination is recommended for all healthcare workers with occupational exposure, who have not received a complete primary series.

Reports from India indicate that only 16 to 60% of healthcare workers have received complete Hepatitis-B immunization. Paramedics have a higher risk of Hepatitis B Virus transmission and receive vaccination less often than doctors.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is highly contagious and is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.