Final answer:
Having the vaccination immediately after being splattered with blood does not lower the immediate risk of contracting hepatitis B. However, washing the eyes and seeking medical attention for potential HBIG treatment as well as beginning the vaccination series is important for future protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Post-Exposure Actions for Hepatitis B
If you are splattered across the face with blood from a patient with hepatitis B and you have not been vaccinated, it is crucial to take post-exposure steps to reduce the risk of infection.
Not wearing eye protection increases your risk, but it is important to know that having the vaccination after exposure would not lower your immediate risk of developing the virus. What you can do instead is to immediately wash your eyes with water or saline and seek medical attention to potentially receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and begin the hepatitis B vaccination series, as prophylaxis against future exposure. The most effective steps for preventing transmission of hepatitis B in a health-care setting include the use of protective gear such as gloves and face shields, proper sterilization of equipment, and vaccination of health-care workers.