Shielding the Frontline: The Critical Role of Vaccination in Protecting Healthcare Workers Against Hepatitis A, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella-Zoster Virus
1
Medical Virology, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa
2
Medical Virology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), including hepatitis A virus (HAV), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), pose substantial occupational risks for healthcare workers (HCWs)1,2. Repeated exposure to infectious agents and contact with vulnerable patients increase the likelihood of nosocomial transmission. In South Africa, inconsistent vaccination coverage, shifting disease endemicity, and limited adult seroprevalence data hinder effective infection prevention3. Rationale: South Africa’s transition from high to intermediate HAV endemicity has delayed primary exposure to adolescence and adulthood, increasing symptomatic and severe cases4–6. Measles outbreaks serve as early warnings of immunity gaps and weaknesses in public health infrastructure9,10. Mumps, although mostly mild, can cause serious complications in adults13–15. Rubella infection in pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), highlighting the need for protection among women of childbearing age16,17. VZV infections in adults and immunocompromised individuals are associated with higher morbidity, emphasising the potential benefits of targeted vaccination for high-risk groups, including HCWs20,21.
AIM:
This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of HAV, MMR, and VZV antibodies among HCWs at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) and to evaluate the feasibility of screening-based versus universal vaccination strategies.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional, retrospective study will analyse 250 residual serum samples from HCWs tested at the NHLS GSH Occupational Health and Safety Department. Total anti-HAV and IgG antibodies to measles, mumps, rubella, and VZV will be measured according to manufacturer protocols3,38. Seropositivity rates will be calculated with 95% confidence intervals and analysed by age and sex. Data will be de-identified and securely stored in REDCap39. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Cape Town HREC39. Expected Outcomes This pilot will provide local seroepidemiologic data for HCWs, inform targeted vaccination programs, and guide strategies to prevent nosocomial VPD transmission. The results will support evidence-based recommendations for occupational vaccination policies, improving healthcare safety and preparedness 1-3,38.
Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), including hepatitis A virus (HAV), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), pose substantial occupational risks for healthcare workers (HCWs)1,2. Repeated exposure to infectious agents and contact with vulnerable patients increase the likelihood of nosocomial transmission. In South Africa, inconsistent vaccination coverage, shifting disease endemicity, and limited adult seroprevalence data hinder effective infection prevention3. Rationale: South Africa’s transition from high to intermediate HAV endemicity has delayed primary exposure to adolescence and adulthood, increasing symptomatic and severe cases4–6. Measles outbreaks serve as early warnings of immunity gaps and weaknesses in public health infrastructure9,10. Mumps, although mostly mild, can cause serious complications in adults13–15. Rubella infection in pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), highlighting the need for protection among women of childbearing age16,17. VZV infections in adults and immunocompromised individuals are associated with higher morbidity, emphasising the potential benefits of targeted vaccination for high-risk groups, including HCWs20,21.
AIM:
This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of HAV, MMR, and VZV antibodies among HCWs at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) and to evaluate the feasibility of screening-based versus universal vaccination strategies.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional, retrospective study will analyse 250 residual serum samples from HCWs tested at the NHLS GSH Occupational Health and Safety Department. Total anti-HAV and IgG antibodies to measles, mumps, rubella, and VZV will be measured according to manufacturer protocols3,38. Seropositivity rates will be calculated with 95% confidence intervals and analysed by age and sex. Data will be de-identified and securely stored in REDCap39. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Cape Town HREC39. Expected Outcomes This pilot will provide local seroepidemiologic data for HCWs, inform targeted vaccination programs, and guide strategies to prevent nosocomial VPD transmission. The results will support evidence-based recommendations for occupational vaccination policies, improving healthcare safety and preparedness 1-3,38.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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