Who is responsible for providing the hepatitis B vaccination to employees?

The employer is required to offer the hepatitis B vaccination to employees at no charge because this is a crucial part of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This standard mandates that employers provide this vaccination to all employees who have a potential for occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

By providing the vaccination at no cost, employers help ensure the health and safety of their workforce, as hepatitis B can lead to serious health complications. This proactive measure not only protects employees but also reduces liability for employers in case of an employee contracting the virus due to occupational exposure.

Other options do not align with OSHA regulations. Employees bearing the cost of the vaccination would create a barrier to accessing preventive care, reducing overall workplace safety. Relying solely on third-party healthcare providers would not fulfill the employer's obligation to ensure employees have access to necessary vaccinations. While state health departments can play a role in public health initiatives, they are not the primary provider responsible for offering vaccinations to individual employees in a workplace setting.