Which statement about HBV and HCV vaccination is correct in the event of exposure?

• A. Vaccines should be given at time of exposure regardless of vaccination status.
• B. Vaccines are unnecessary if the worker has previously been vaccinated.
• C. Vaccines should be given only if symptoms develop.
• D. Vaccines are never given during an exposure.

Answer: (A)

Postexposure vaccination decisions for hepatitis B are about protecting someone who may not yet be immune, and doing so quickly matters. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective when started promptly after exposure, so beginning the vaccination series at the time of exposure helps ensure protection even if the worker’s immune status is unknown or uncertain. For hepatitis C, there is no vaccine, but the principle being tested here—the importance of not delaying vaccination when immune status is unclear for a preventable infection—aligns with HBV management, where you want rapid protection rather than waiting for serology or symptoms. The other options imply waiting for symptoms, relying on prior vaccination to cover you without checking current immunity, or never vaccinating during exposure, which conflicts with the preventive, time-sensitive approach of postexposure prophylaxis.