Immunization of Laboratory Animal Workers: Occupational Health and Safety Aspects

Overview

Journal Pathog Glob Health

Specialties Infectious Diseases
Microbiology
Public Health

Date 2024 Mar 20

PMID 38506667

Authors

Laxit K Bhatt

Jitendra H Patel

Chitrang R Shah

Sudhir R Patel

Shital D Patel

Vipul A Patel

Rajesh Sundar

Mukul R Jain

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Occupational immunization is an integral part of institutional occupational safety and health (OSH) programs. Laboratory animal workers (LAWs) are personnel working with various small and large vertebrate animals. LAWs are at the risk of contracting a myriad of zoonotic infections as they are occupationally exposed to animals and their biological products. Immunizing employees against such zoonotic pathogens is the best way to prevent disease transmission. This review provides information on various zoonotic diseases, vaccines available to protect against such infections, and vaccination schedules. Certain sections of institutional occupational immunization programs such as risk evaluation, immunizing special categories of personnel and exemption from immunization among others are also described. Additionally, the authors have discussed various probable modes of impact through which occupational immunization of laboratory animal workers fulfills different United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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