FIVE CURRICULAR PROGRAMS namely BS Hospitality Management, BS Nutrition and Dietetics, Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education, Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education, and Bachelor of Industrial Technology— required incoming first year students to get Hepatitis B (Hepa-B) vaccination to ensure food safety and hygiene in their practical activities.
The Lingayen Campus tapped the Valmed Pharma Dirstributors Inc. to organize a screening and vaccination process to over 300 students this August 2-4.
“It is important for these programs to conduct Hepa-B vaccination for the protection of the students especially during their practical trainings and internship,” Dr. Christia Marie P. Flores, Head of the Medical and Dental Services Unit, said.
Students from these programs who are considered as food handlers, must ensure a certificate of immunization before enrolling in the said programs as a policy in internship of the university, given that private establishments encourage Hepa-B vaccination to all workers to reduce the risk of transmission of the disease.
In Department of Labor and Employment advisory No. 05, S.2010, the government agency mandates all private establishments ‘to have a policy on Hepatitis B and to implement a workforce program’.
Dr. Flores added, “Back then, food-handlers [students] were required to be vaccinated before their internship.” This time, to make sure that they are safe even in their skill undertakings all throughout their academic journey, the scheme was rectified and required all incoming first year to have their immunization.
Said vaccination covered three doses and one booster which is good for 10 years.
Before the screening, a patient’s medical form, to be filled out by the students, is strictly monitored to safeguard medical employees and students against the existing CoViD-19 spread.
This action of the Medical and Dental unit has become their best practice to ensure highest health standards in the university.
Aside from the Hepa-B vaccination, the unit is also committed with their programs like free-flu shots for PSU employees, dental services, blood-letting activities, and online consultation for students in which they cater an average of 80 students per month, even in this time of pandemic.
According to World Health Organization, Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and considered as a major global health problem. It can cause chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.
It is most commonly spread from mother to child at birth. It can also be spread by needlestick injury, tattooing, piercing and exposure to infected blood and body fluids, such as saliva and menstrual. /mmpd