Factors affecting decision concerning influenza vaccination among students of medical faculties.

Abstract

Influenza is one of the most common cyclic respiratory diseases in humans. Methods of prevention are multidirectional, but the most effective and most efficacious way to prevent influenza and its complications is through preventive vaccination. This work aims to determine different factors affecting the decision concerning influenza vaccine. The percentage of people vaccinated against the flu was evaluated, as well as their knowledge of post-influenza complications, etc. among full-time students and bridging studies of nursing and physiotherapy (full-time and part-time) at the University of Technology and Life Sciences in Radom, and students of medicine and pharmacy at the Medical University of Łódź. The research tool was the authors' questionnaire with 18 questions. The surveys conducted, consisting of multiple choice questions, were anonymous. In total, the survey involved 470 students. Overall, the number of people who were vaccinated against influenza in the 2012/13 epidemic season numbered 15 respondents, representing 5.84% of the total group of respondents. For the group of nursing students it was 6%, for physiotherapy students 5%, for students of medicine and pharmacy 14%. The percentage of respondents who said they would get vaccinated if the vaccinaton was free of charge was also low. Increasing the percentage of people vaccinated against influenza (immunization coverage) is a very important measure in preventing influenza epidemics. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the reasons why people are reluctant to be vaccinated against influenza, particularly among students who will work in the future in the health care services sector.

Attitude towards Vaccination among Health Science Students before the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In agreement with other studies, multivariate analysis showed that female students [45], increasing age [42,45], studying nursing rather than physiotherapy [39,44], and having more positive beliefs and behaviour [38,41,42] to be associated with seeking vaccination against influenza.…”

“…Even though both Spanish [36] and international bodies [37] recommend vaccination against influenza for students of health sciences, only 26.7% of the 934 respondents had been so vaccinated. This is lower than that reported from the USA [38] and Australia [39], similar to that recorded in Israel [40] and Ireland [41], and very much higher than that reported in studies from China [42], Italy [43], Poland [44] and indeed from another study performed in Spain [45].…”

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

“…Influenza vaccines are well-known, safe, and recommended by medical authorities, yet only a fraction of Polish medical students decide to be vaccinated. Vaccination coverage among Polish medical students was only 14% in the 2012–2013 season [ 22 ].…”