Pregnant healthcare workers who are not immune to varicella (chickenpox) are at increased risk for severe complications if infected. These employees should be excluded from areas like pediatrics where exposure risk is elevated.

The APIC Text specifies:

“Healthcare personnel who are not immune to varicella should avoid exposure to patients with active disease. In high-risk areas such as pediatrics, nonimmune pregnant employees should be reassigned”.

The CIC Study Guide also supports work exclusion or reassignment of nonimmune pregnant staff who have had exposure to varicella or are at risk.

Explanation of incorrect options:

A. Pregnant employees rarely require reassignment – False; reassignment is required in specific high-risk scenarios.

B. Hepatitis B surface antibody positivity means the employee is immune and can care for HBV patients.

C. Broad exclusion from all infected patients is unnecessary and impractical.