What vaccine must health care facilities provide at no cost to employees?

Health care facilities are required to provide the Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) at no cost to employees, particularly those in certain roles that may expose them to blood or bodily fluids through their job responsibilities. This requirement is grounded in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which aim to protect healthcare workers from potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

The Hepatitis B virus can cause serious liver disease and is highly contagious. By offering this vaccine free of charge, facilities promote the health and safety of their employees while also reducing the risk of workplace-related exposure to the virus. Ensuring that employees are vaccinated helps to prevent outbreaks and contributes to a safer environment for both staff and patients.

The other choices—Influenza, Tetanus, and Meningococcal vaccines—may be recommended or required under certain circumstances, but they do not have the same mandate of being provided at no cost by health care facilities for all employees like the Hepatitis B vaccine does.