755 Bloodborne Pathogens Program Management

Declining a Vaccination

Employers must ensure that workers who decline vaccination sign a declination form. The purpose of this is to encourage greater participation in the vaccination program by stating that a worker declining the vaccination remains at risk of acquiring hepatitis B.

The form also states that if a worker initially declines to receive the vaccine, but at a later date decides to accept it, the employer is required to make it available, at no cost, provided the worker is still occupationally exposed.

Real-life Scenario

Tony, a new employee, initially declined to receive the hepatitis B vaccination, but has changed his mind and now wants the vaccination.

Is the employer required to pay for the vaccination?

Yes

If a worker initially declines to receive the vaccine, but at a later date decides to accept it, the employer is required to make it available, at no cost, provided the worker is still occupationally exposed. Source: OSHA's official fact sheet

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

8-4. Employers must ensure that workers who decline a vaccination, _____.

are sent home for two weeks if they test positive

sign a declination form

are no longer considered exposed

pay for the vaccination if they want it later

You forgot to answer the question!