Health clearance is required for new health care workers who have direct patient contact. It is designed to ensure that an individual is fit for all aspects of their job role and to reduce the risk of healthcare worker-to-patient transmission of infectious diseases.

COVID-19 Vaccine

It is important for health care workers, who are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and their patients. In addition to receiving the vaccine, it is also important to continue practicing measures such as wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, and regularly washing hands to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

For the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, the recommended schedule is a single dose. For the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the recommended schedule is two doses given 21 days apart. The Sinopharm vaccine may also require two doses.

Tuberculosis Clearance

In South Africa, the most efficient way to receive tuberculosis (TB) clearance is by visiting a health care provider or a clinic that offers TB testing services. The provider or clinic will perform a TB test, such as a skin test or a blood test, to determine if a person has TB. If the test result is positive, the person will be referred for further evaluation and treatment.

The frequency of tuberculosis (TB) clearance testing for health care workers, including those who work with vulnerable people, may vary depending on the specific occupational and health risk factors, as well as local regulations and guidelines.

As a general rule, health care workers who are at high risk of exposure to TB may be required to undergo TB screening more frequently, such as annually or every two years. However, the exact frequency of TB screening may depend on the occupational risk, the local prevalence of TB, and other factors.

HEP B Vaccine

Health care workers, including those who work in care facilities, are at an increased risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus (Hep B) through needle sticks, cuts, or other incidents involving contaminated blood or body fluids. As a result, it is recommended that health care workers receive the Hep B vaccine series to protect against Hep B infection.
In general, receiving the Hep B vaccine series is an important step for health care workers to protect themselves, their patients, and the community against Hep B infection.

The hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccination schedule typically consists of a series of three shots. The recommended schedule for the Hep B vaccine is:

First dose: As soon as possible after birth or at the first doctor's visit.
Second dose: 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
Third dose: 6 to 18 months after the first dose.

It is important to complete the full series of Hep B vaccinations to ensure the best protection against hepatitis B virus infection. If a person misses a scheduled dose, they should receive it as soon as possible to continue the series