If an employee declines an HBV vaccine, but later accepts it, does the sheriff's office need to provide that employee with the HBV vaccination?

If an employee declines an HBV vaccine, but later accepts it, does the sheriff's office need to provide that employee with the HBV vaccination?

• A. Yes.
• B. Only if employee pays.
• C. Only with supervisor approval.
• D. No.

Answer: (A)

The important point is that employees with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens must be offered the hepatitis B vaccine at no cost, and they can request it at any time after initial assignment. If an employee initially declines, that does not remove the employer’s obligation. If the employee later decides to receive the vaccine, the employer must provide it and cover the cost. So, the sheriff’s office must provide the HBV vaccination to the employee when they choose to accept it, even after an earlier decline.

The important point is that employees with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens must be offered the hepatitis B vaccine at no cost, and they can request it at any time after initial assignment. If an employee initially declines, that does not remove the employer’s obligation. If the employee later decides to receive the vaccine, the employer must provide it and cover the cost. So, the sheriff’s office must provide the HBV vaccination to the employee when they choose to accept it, even after an earlier decline.