Knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs of healthcare provider students regarding mandatory influenza vaccination

Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers about influenza vaccination

BACKGROUND

Influenza infection is a highly contagious viral disease. It may cause several nosocomial outbreaks. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers (HCWs) about influenza vaccination and to identify factors associated with the uptake of influenza vaccination.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study over 5 months between November 2021 and March 2022. Data was collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. We included all HCWs at Taher Sfar University Hospital who were willing to participate in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 395 HCWs were included. They were mainly women (78.7%) with an average age of 27 years. The medical personnel was the largest group (67.8%). Most respondents considered the vaccination to be optional and knew that it should be renewed every year, but 97.5% of them judged the efficacy of the vaccine to be low. The influenza vaccination uptake was only 20.2%. The main reasons for accepting vaccination were to protect patients and families. However, misconceptions about the severity and the risk of influenza and the belief that barrier measures were sufficient to prevent infection were the main causes of avoiding vaccination. The factors associated with adherence to vaccination were being a medical professional, old age, longer professional experience, and considering vaccination to be mandatory for HCWs.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed a low adherence to influenza vaccination with misconceptions about vaccine efficacy and safety. More efforts are needed to improve the knowledge of HCW about the vaccine and boost the adherence rates.

Mapping Adult Vaccine Confidence in Future Health Professionals: A Pilot Study among Undergraduate Students at Two Universities in Greece

Health professionals' recommendations increase vaccine uptake. We aimed to document stances, practices regarding adult vaccination, and their predictors among undergraduate medical and biomedical science students, as well as their perspectives on increasing vaccine confidence. Among the 430 participants, third-year students from two universities in Greece, only 25.4% were in favor of all vaccines, while no refuters were detected. Predictors of recommending vaccination were the Attitudes Towards Adult Vaccination (ATAVAC) Value (OR 3.26, p < 0.001) and ATAVAC Safety subscales scores (OR 1.36, p < 0.05), being a medical student (OR 2.45, p < 0.05), and having better self-rated health status (OR 2.27, p < 0.05). The importance of getting vaccinated as health professionals was recognized by participants with a higher ATAVAC value (OR 5.39, p < 0.001), ATAVAC Safety scores (OR 1.46, p < 0.05), and increased knowledge regarding the National Immunization Program (OR 1.31, p < 0.05). The God Locus of Health Control (GLHC) was a predictor only in vaccination against COVID-19 (OR 0.91, p < 0.05). Improving community health literacy and health providers' education, boosting trust in authorities, and adopting a person-centered approach emerged as the main themes regarding how to increase vaccine confidence. Mapping health professionals' confidence in vaccines and providing lifelong training support is pivotal in supporting positive attitudes, enhancing their competence, and promoting vaccination in the post-COVID-19 era.

Influenza Vaccination of Romanian Medical Students during COVID-19 Times: From Knowledge to Behavior

In Romania, influenza vaccination uptake among healthcare workers decreased over time despite access to the vaccine being constantly improved. The aim of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of the knowledge and attitudes of Dental Medicine and Medicine students towards recommended vaccinations for healthcare workers, focusing on influenza vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the entire 2021-2022 academic year. Data were collected using 2 electronic questionnaires which were applied to the students from the Faculty of Medicine (n = 883) and, respectively, the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania. The questionnaires were offered to 1187 students and completed by 911 students (response rate = 77%). Out of these, 85% (n = 778) identified the influenza vaccine as recommended; 35% (n = 321) reported getting an annual influenza vaccination; and 37% (333) reported getting an influenza vaccination in the previous season. Overall, 45% (n = 222) of the respondents who completed the questionnaires from October 2021 to February 2022 reported that they intend to get vaccinated against influenza in the 2021-2022 season and approximately 8% (n = 39) reported that they had already been vaccinated. The multivariable analysis showed that the habit of getting annually vaccinated against influenza as well as the knowledge that influenza vaccine is recommended for all healthcare workers were associated with a higher probability of intending to get vaccinated. The current study emphasizes the need to raise awareness among medical students regarding influenza vaccination and to involve medical education institutions, public health authorities, and healthcare facilities in promoting this vaccination among students since the influenza vaccine uptake rate among medical students included in this study was suboptimal.

Association Between Influenza Vaccine Uptake and Health Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study Among Medical Students and Healthcare Workers in Northern Vietnam

BACKGROUND Seasonal influenza poses a significant global health concern. Despite the proven effectiveness of the influenza vaccine, its uptake remains low in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students and healthcare workers on influenza vaccine uptake in northern Vietnam. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 585 participants from northern Vietnam institutions through an anonymous online survey via Google form from June to August 2022. The cut-off for a high level of knowledge and a positive attitude was set at 70% for each variable. Bivariate analysis was conducted to establish associations. Multiple binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice. RESULTS Among the participants, 463 (79.15%) were women, 354 (60.51%) were below 25 years old, 426 (72.82%) were of "Kinh" ethnicity, and 454 (77.61%) were single. Only 237 (40.51%) were vaccinated. Good knowledge and attitude were reported by 36.58% and 42.39% of the participants, respectively. Having a high level of knowledge was found positively associated with having a positive attitude (odds ratio 2.11 [1.48-3.01]). Kinh ethnicity was positively associated with knowledge (1.67 [1.12-2.49]) and attitude (1.97 [1.32-2.94]). Female participants displayed a more positive attitude (2.08 [1.33-3.25]). Several factors influenced the uptake, such as being single (2.07 [1.19-3.59]), being a medical doctor (2.34 [1.09-5.06]), and being advised by a healthcare provider (2.96 [2.00-4.37]). CONCLUSIONS A noticeable gap in knowledge and attitude related to influenza vaccine uptake was found among the target population. Tailored interventions are necessary to improve vaccination coverage.

Determinants of parental self-reported uptake of influenza vaccination in preschool children during the COVID-19 pandemic

In China, the coverage rate of influenza vaccination among the general population is significantly lower than that of high-income countries, with only 2.46% of the population vaccinated. Preschool-aged children are particularly susceptible to influenza viruses, yet the factors that influence parents' willingness to vaccinate their children are not well understood. To address this research gap, we developed a theoretical model grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which explores six key factors influencing parental self-reported uptake of influenza vaccination in preschool children: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, knowledge, and behavioral intention. We collected data from 872 parents of children in five major cities in China and employed structural equation modeling to examine the significance of the theoretical model and explore the potential moderating effects of demographic variables on path relationships. Our analysis revealed that several positive factors influenced parents' intention of influenza vaccination for preschool children, including effort expectancy (β = 0.38), social influence (β = 0.17), and knowledge (β = 0.52). Facilitating conditions (β = 0.34), knowledge (β = 0.40), and behavioral intention (β = 0.34) were found to be associated with self-reported uptake. Furthermore, we observed significant moderating effects of the child's gender and age, as well as the guardian's category and income, on the theoretical models. Parents' willingness to vaccinate preschool children against influenza is influenced by both psychological and demographic variables. Further studies are needed to determine if these relationships persist over time and across different regions.

A survey of university students on attitudes, behaviors, and intentions toward influenza vaccination

Objective To determine attitudes, behaviors, and intentions of university students regarding influenza vaccination.ParticipantsUndergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled at a private, midwestern university.Methods A 24-item electronic survey was designed and distributed after literature review and inputs from experts on immunizations. Bivariate tests were performed to observe differences between various subgroups of respondents (age, gender, race/ethnicity, housing, and academic program). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to find associations with their vaccination preferences.Results Of 3,267 complete responses (36.3% of total students), 75% reported obtaining influenza vaccination in 2016-2017. Vaccination rates were highest for Asian (81.0%) and lowest for Black students (59.6%). Health professional student vaccination rates of 89.3% were achieved with a vaccination mandate in place. Lowest immunization rates were identified for law (47.1%) and business (52.7%) students. Positive promotional factors were identified.Conclusions Access to free, on-campus vaccinations, mandates and promotional efforts are associated with high influenza vaccination rates.

Influenza Vaccination of Romanian Medical Students and Resident Physicians-A Matter of Accessibility

In Romania, influenza vaccination of healthcare professionals is recommended, but not mandatory. This study aims to investigate the attitudes and behaviors of medical students and resident physicians-the youngest healthcare professionals-towards influenza immunization, focusing on the barriers and facilitators, as well as on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous online survey was conducted during the 2021/2022 influenza season, with responses from332 medical students and resident physicians. The majority (73.5%) were not vaccinated against influenza (68% of the students, 52.3% of the residents), although they were vaccinated against COVID-19 (94% students, 94.8% resident physicians) and believed that the pandemic positively influenced their attitude towards influenza vaccination. Vaccine accessibility (p < 0.001) and the necessity to pay for vaccination (p < 0.001) were identified as barriers in both groups, while lack of recommendation from a medical professional/teacher was significant only for students (p < 0.001). Forgetfulness and lack of prioritizations were the most cited reasons for not being vaccinated. These barriers could be diminished through proactive recommendation and simplification of the vaccination process, with accessible vaccination centers and implementation of vaccine reimbursement policies. Improved vaccination rates in young medical professionals are of the utmost importance both in their professional settings and as a model for the general population.

Vaccine Coverage against Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in Health Sciences Students during COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

Vaccination against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 is recommended in health sciences students to reduce the risk of acquiring these diseases and transmitting them to patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate how the pandemic influenced the modification of influenza vaccination coverage during the 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 campaigns and to analyze the vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2 in health sciences students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of the Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry of the Complutense University of Madrid. A questionnaire was administered in two stages, the first, Q1, before the start of the pandemic, where we analyzed influenza coverage during the 2019/2020 campaign and a second, Q2, 18 months after the start of the pandemic where we analyzed influenza coverage during the 2021/2022 campaign and coverage against SARS-CoV-2. A total of 1894 students (58.78% of the total of those enrolled) participated. Flu vaccination coverage increased from 26.7% in Q1 to 35.0% in Q2 (p < 0.05), being higher in the age group older than 21 years, who studied nursing, were in their fourth year and lived with people at risk. Vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2 was very high (97.8%), especially in students vaccinated against influenza. Coverage of the influenza vaccine in health sciences students increased from 2019–2020 to 2021–2022, being higher in the age group older than 21 years, who studied nursing, were in their first and fourth year and lived with people at risk. Coverage of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in health sciences students was very high, especially in those vaccinated against influenza.

Do Degree Programs Affect Health Profession Students' Attitudes and Opinions Toward Vaccinations? An Italian Multicenter Study

Background

Healthcare workers' attitudes toward vaccination have been widely described in the literature, but a restricted amount of studies assessed healthcare students' knowledge, attitudes, and opinions on this issue. This study aimed to estimate the influence of a degree course on knowledge and immunization behavior among healthcare students and to compare medical students with students from other health profession degree programs to identify possible differences.

Methods

A multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed in 2018 in 14 Italian Universities (3,131 students were interviewed). A validated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and opinions toward vaccinations, with a specific focus on influenza vaccine and attitudes toward mandatory vaccination policies. Statistical software STATA® 14 was used.

Results

Significant differences were recorded between medical students and other healthcare students. The intention to get vaccinated against influenza during the next season and having been vaccinated in the previous season was higher in the medical group (p < 0.001). In the group of students of other health professions, we registered a lower probability of identifying themselves as a high-risk group for contracting infectious diseases as a consequence of their profession and health status (aOR 0.49; CI95%: 0.40–0.60) and an increased likelihood of defining their level of knowledge on vaccine-preventable diseases and related vaccinations as “insufficient/sufficient/fair” (aOR 1.31; CI95%: 1.11–1.56).

Conclusions

Results show several differences between medical students and students of other health professions when it comes to vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions, as well as a general low tendency to be vaccinated against influenza.

Factors influencing nursing students' intention to accept COVID-19 vaccination: A pooled analysis of seven European countries

BACKGROUND

Experiencing the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, high vaccination coverage by a safe and effective vaccine globally would be a great achievement. Acceptance of vaccination by nursing students is an important issue as they play a decisive role as future professionals in educating patients, counselling, and guiding them to the right clinical decision.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the intention of nursing students to get vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the factors acting either as motivators or as barriers towards vaccination.

DESIGN

A multicenter cross-sectional design.

PARTICIPANTS

In total 2249 undergraduate nursing students participated.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 7 universities in participating countries (Greece, Albania, Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, and Kosovo) through a web survey. Data was collected during December 2020-January 2021 in all countries.

RESULTS

Forty three point 8% of students agreed to accept a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, while the acceptance was higher among Italian students. The factors for intention to get vaccinated were male gender (p = 0.008), no working experience in healthcare facilities during the pandemic (p = 0.001), vaccination for influenza in 2019 and 2020 (p < 0.001), trust in doctors (p < 0.001), governments and experts (p = 0.012), high level of knowledge (p < 0.001) and fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding of factors that influence students' decision to accept COVID-19 vaccination could increase the acceptance rate contributing to a management of the pandemic.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Intention to Receive Hypothetical Ebola and COVID-19 Vaccines among Medical Students

The study aimed to determine influenza vaccine uptake among medical students and their intention to receive a hypothetical Ebola or COVID-19 vaccine. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed in 2015 and 2020 on 675 medical students at the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. In 2020, the influenza vaccination coverage was 36.5%, and students were almost five times more likely to be vaccinated than in 2015 (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 3.1-7.5). In 2020, the survey was conducted during the first university campaign targeted at free influenza vaccinations for all students, as well as during the first lockdown in Poland due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, clinical students (4th-6th study year) were significantly more often vaccinated than preclinical students (p < 0.001), in contrast to 2015. A majority-67.0% and 94.6%-of students expressed their intention to receive a hypothetical Ebola or COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. Among the medical students, influenza vaccination status was a predictor of the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Influenza vaccine uptake among medical students has increased significantly, but it is still not optimal; thus, further educational efforts are needed to convince those who are hesitant regarding vaccines. A high number of students reported their intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and it is crucial to support their positive attitude about it.

Barriers Associated with the Uptake Ratio of Seasonal Flu Vaccine and Ways to Improve Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Young Health Care Workers in Poland

Despite not being full-time health care workers, annual flu vaccination is nevertheless an important consideration for medical students. This study examined the reasons for refusing flu vaccination among medical students, a group characterized by low vaccination coverage, despite the fact that the flu vaccine is arguably the most effective way of preventing serious flu complications. A cross-sectional survey was performed of 1313 students at the Medical University of Lodz. The findings indicate that the main sites of vaccination were primary care centers, and main source of information about influenza vaccination (about 90% of cases) was the general practitioner (GP). The most common motivations for vaccination were a recommendation by the family doctor or the belief that it was an important factor for protection against influenza. Most students reported various adverse effects after vaccination, usually mild pain at the site of vaccination, malaise, or fever. The main reasons for rejecting influenza vaccination were the apparent low risk of disease, the need for annual vaccination, the need to pay for it, lack of time or opportunity, lack of vaccination promotion, negative attitudes toward the flu vaccine, or the belief that there are other methods of preventing flu. To increase long-term vaccine acceptance and increase the vaccination rate among medical students and qualified health care workers, there is a need to adapt the health system and to initiate ongoing promotion programs at university to raise consciousness, promote vaccinations, and develop clinical skills for immunization.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Sources of Information on Vaccines in Spanish Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Health professionals are the most influential and main sources of information about vaccines for the general population, as they are regarded as role models by patients and society. The objective of the present study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of a group of university Nursing students about vaccines, as well as their sources of information and their education needs. A cross-sectional study was performed through a questionnaire (55 items) provided to Nursing students at two Spanish universities. A total of 1122 students participated in the study. The mean score obtained for knowledge about vaccines was 44.6 ± 4.3, and for attitudes towards vaccines, it was 37.2 ± 3.9. Hepatitis B (94.7%) and the Flu (89%) are the two main vaccines they should receive as health workers. The main source of information was the family environment (65.6%). Most of them considered that post-graduate education about vaccines should be provided by academic entities (universities, 62.7%). Among the health professionals, Nurses (85.5%) must be better educated and trained on the subject of vaccines. It is therefore necessary to delve into and complete the nurses’ training on vaccines, to educate them about the risks at the individual level, and their decisive role as promoters of the vaccination strategy for the general population. Universities must become the leaders in vaccine education and training.

Adherence of nurses to annual seasonal influenza vaccination over a 5-year period

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of influenza infection with associated nosocomial transmission. Sustained adherence to seasonal influenza vaccination uptake each year is important in epidemic control.

AIM

To assess the adherence of nurses to seasonal influenza vaccination over 5 years and its associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses after the winter influenza season in Hong Kong in March 2019. Based on influenza vaccine uptake rates in the 2014/15-2018/19 seasons, respondents were stratified into three groups: 'full adherence' (vaccine uptake in five seasons), 'partial adherence' (vaccine uptake in one to four seasons) and 'non-adherence' (no vaccine uptake). Stepwise multi-variable logistic regression was performed to determine the associations between adherence to annual influenza vaccination, respondents' characteristics and considerations for vaccination.

FINDINGS

Of 1306 nurses recruited, the majority were female (88%) with a median age of 36 years (interquartile range 30-46 years). The influenza vaccination uptake rate increased from 36% in the 2014/15 season to 47% in the 2018/19 season. After stratification, 39%, 40% and 21% of respondents were non-adherers, partial adherers and full adherers, respectively. Full adherence was significantly associated with female gender [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.60], age ≥40 years (aOR 2.92), long-term care facility nurse (aOR 0.56), uptake during studentship (aOR 3.83), local prevalence of seasonal influenza (aOR 0.51) and expert opinion (aOR 4.04).

CONCLUSIONS

A limited proportion of nurses were fully adherent to seasonal influenza vaccination. Monitoring adherence, improving access to vaccines, and interventions targeting less-adherent HCWs are crucial.

Evaluation of a 'serious game' on nursing student knowledge and uptake of influenza vaccination

Background

Influenza is a serious global healthcare issue that is associated with between 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a ‘serious game’ about influenza, on nursing student attitude, knowledge and uptake of the influenza vaccination.

Methods

1306 undergraduate nursing students were invited, via email, to play an online game about influenza between September 2018 and March 2019. 430 nursing students accessed the game and completed an 8-item questionnaire measuring their attitudes to influenza between September 2018 and March 2019. In April 2019, 356 nursing students from this sample completed a follow-up 2-item questionnaire about their uptake of the influenza vaccination. A larger separate 40-item knowledge questionnaire was completed by a year one cohort of 124 nursing students in August 2018 prior to receiving access to the game and then after access to the game had ended, in April 2019. This sample was selected to determine the extent to which the game improved knowledge about influenza amongst a homogenous group.

Results

In the year preceding this study, 36.7% of the sample received an influenza vaccination. This increased to 47.8% after accessing to the game. Nursing students reported perceived improvements in their knowledge, intention to get the vaccination and intention to recommend the vaccination to their patients after playing the game. Nursing students who completed the 40-item pre- and post-knowledge questionnaire scored an average of 68.6% before receiving access to the game and 85.2% after. Using Paired T-Tests statistical analysis, it was determined that this 16.6% increase was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The research highlights that the influenza game can improve knowledge and intention to become vaccinated. This study suggests that improvement in influenza knowledge is likely to encourage more nursing students to receive the influenza vaccination.

Healthcare Workers' (HCWs) attitudes towards mandatory influenza vaccination: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Influenza is a disease responsible for thousands of deaths every year. Although healthcare workers (HCWs) represent a way of contagion for patients, vaccination coverage among them is low. Mandatory vaccination has been proposed, but controversies remain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the acceptance of mandatory vaccination by HCWs, and to investigate associated characteristics. MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Web of Science were used to search for studies assessing the topic. PRISMA statements were followed. Of the 13,457 univocal records found, 52 studies were included in the systematic review and 40 in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of HCWs accepting the policy was of 61% (95% CI: 53%- 68%) but with great heterogeneity between continents (from 54% in Europe to 69% in Asia) and in different professionals (from 40% in nurses to 80% in students). Vaccinated HCWs agreed more frequently with mandatory vaccination than non-vaccinated ones. More studies that consider mandatory vaccination acceptance as the main outcome are needed, but the results of this study confirm that in some settings the majority of HCWs favour mandatory vaccination. This, combined with effects that a flu epidemic could have if overlapped to pandemics with similar symptoms, requires renewed considerations on mandatory vaccination.

Vaccination perception and coverage among healthcare students in France in 2019

BACKGROUND

Vaccine hesitancy in healthcare workers has been increasing especially in France while they are the cornerstone of vaccination programs. Greater understanding of healthcare students (HCS) vaccine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs is necessary to provide an adequate vaccination education to better equip them to promote vaccination in their future careers. The aim of this study was to assess vaccination perception (VP) (perception of benefits and risks of vaccines) and its impact on vaccination coverage (VC) for mandatory and recommended vaccines among HCS.

METHODS

A standardized, anonymous self-reporting electronic questionnaire was prospectively sent to HCS (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, midwifery, physiotherapy students and 1st year of health sciences students) of Normandy University in France between 18/03/2019 and 8/04/2019. VP was evaluated with questions regarding vaccination hesitancy, safety of vaccine and the benefit/risk balance of vaccination. Global VC (GVC) was defined as being vaccinated according to the mandatory and/or recommended vaccination schedule by national French law in 2018.

RESULTS

542 HCS took part in this survey. VC was high for mandatory (diphtheriae, poliomyelitis, tetanus 93.5%, hepatitis B virus 88.6%) and even most of recommended vaccinations (measles 95%, pertussis 88.2%). Global VC (40.4%) was not statistically different between HCS except for 1st year health sciences students who were less vaccinated (25.6%). Regarding VP, 97.8% of HCS thought that vaccine are effective. When vaccine safety and level of vaccine hesitancy were assessed (on a 0-10 scale, 0: not safe or not hesitant and 10: completely safe and strongly hesitant for vaccine), 91% of respondents stated that vaccine safety is ≥7 and in 80% the vaccine hesitancy was < 3. There was no difference among student categories. 80.6% of HCS recommended all vaccines but only 52% agreed that flu vaccination should be mandatory for HCS. In the multivariate analysis, being a 1st year health care sciences student was associated with a lower GVC (OR 95% CI = 2 [1.2-3.3], p = 0.004) than being a medical student.

CONCLUSION

HCS perceived vaccine as effective and secure. Despite the good perception of vaccines, less than half HCS are well vaccinated.

A Comparison of the Attitudes to Influenza Vaccination Held by Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Public Health Students and Their Knowledge of Viral Infections

Influenza is a viral vaccine-preventable disease. The present study aims to explore the attitude to influenza immunization and the knowledge of influenza among students in Poland. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 among students of Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Public health in all years of study. Data was obtained from 1137 students (90.7% female, 9.3% male), mean age 21.3 ± 1.62 years. The urban students were more likely to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza than rural students (OR: 1.52; 95% CI [1.10-2.10], p = 0.010362). The students of Public health were more likely to be vaccinated against influenza (48.9%, regularly annually 1.1%) than Pharmacy (31%, regularly annually 2.5%), Nursing (30.7%, regularly annually 1.3%) or Midwifery (25.1%, regularly annually 2.4%). First-year and second-year students were vaccinated more often (OR: 2.75; 95% CI [1.99-3.82], p = 0.00000; OR: 1.84; 95% CI [1.32-2.59], p = 0.0004, respectively) than later-year students. All students reported the main reasons for vaccination to be their own protection and parental decision. Concluded, present findings demonstrate a low prevalence of flu vaccination among medical students. Therefore, strategies are needed to increase the uptake of influenza vaccine in students, especially considering the future contact between this group of future health care workers and higher risk groups.

Knowledge about vaccines and vaccination in older people: Results of a national survey by the Italian Society for Gerontology & Geriatrics

BACKGROUND

There is wide variation among physicians in the level of knowledge regarding vaccines and vaccination. We sought to compare the level of vaccine knowledge between qualified specialists and postgraduate residents.

METHODS

A questionnaire designed ad hoc by a consensus group was circulated to the Directors of 51 geriatrics internship programs in Italy. It investigated demographics, information sources, knowledge about influenza, pneumonococcal and herpes zoster vaccines and target groups. The proportion of correct responders was compared between residents and qualified specialists, and between best (top quartile) and worst (bottom quartile) performers.

RESULTS

A total of 459 questionnaires were analyzed; 245 (53%) were females; 253 (55%) were qualified specialists, 206 (45%) were residents. Mean age was 40.3 (SD: 12.8) years, almost 60% worked in acute care wards. On average, 33% of patients asked for information about vaccination. Residents answered significantly better on 7 out of 18 questions, and numerically albeit non-statistically higher correct response rates on a further 8 questions. There were significantly more men among the poor performers (p < 0.001), and significantly more residents among the best performers (p < 0.001). Overall, the rates of correct answers were low, with >50% of correct responses achieved on only 5 out of 18 questions (27.8%); for 2 questions, <20% responded correctly.

CONCLUSIONS

Postgraduate residents in training have an overall better level of knowledge of vaccines, vaccination indications and practices than qualified specialists. This study provides avenues to develop targeted interventions to ensure health care providers are up to date and providing accurate information to patients.

Perception of mandatory infant vaccines and trust in vaccination among first-year healthcare students: An opportunity window for the training of future healthcare workers

INTRODUCTION

A high level of vaccine hesitancy is observed in France; to maintain a high level of vaccine coverage, a policy of mandatory vaccines has been applied since January 2019. As vaccine hesitancy has been described among healthcare workers, we aimed to assess the adhesion to vaccination in students enrolled in the first common year of healthcare studies (PACES), and their perceptions regarding the mandatory vaccine policy.

METHODS

We elaborated an anonymous online questionnaire and asked the 35 French universities offering PACES studies to diffuse it to their students; 26 accepted.

RESULTS

Overall, 4326 participants completed the questionnaire (age 18.7 ± 1.5 years, female 76.1%). They evaluated vaccine usefulness and harmfulness at a median of 90 [IQT:80-100] and 25 [IQT:10-50], respectively; on the same scale, their median trust in vaccines was 82 [IQT:70-94]. Among the five main age classes (17 to 21 years), the positive perceptions of vaccination declined with age. A majority declared that making vaccines mandatory was morally and scientifically justified (65.7% and 84.7%, respectively); in response to the questionnaire showing a blatant anti-mandatory vaccine billboard, 52.3% and 28.6%, respectively, strongly disagreed or rather disagreed with it. Again, these proportions declined between 17 and 21 years. Participants were asked whether the mandatory vaccine policy would improve their perceptions of vaccination; those with poorer perceptions were less likely to answer this question positively.

CONCLUSION

The perceptions of vaccination and the recent mandatory vaccine policy are positive in first-year students but better in younger ones, thus suggesting that vaccination should be taught early, during this study year. The mandatory vaccine policy may not improve the perceptions of those with a high level of vaccine hesitancy.