Medical students' attitude toward influenza vaccination: Results of a survey in the University of Bari (Italy)

Abstract

Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for Italian healthcare professionals, but vaccine coverage is low. Since 2012, vaccination is also offered to medical students as part of the National Immunization Plan; however, few Medical Schools has implemented the plan so far. To study determinants of vaccination compliance, we conducted a survey among medical students at the University of Bari, where influenza vaccination has been actively offered since 2013. Information was obtained by means of an online anonymous questionnaire administered in April 2014. We enrolled 669 students, 383 (57%) vaccinated; 54% were female and the average age was 23.9 § 4.9 y. Determinants of getting vaccinated were analyzed in a multivariate logistic model. Receiving invitation from the University (aOR D 3.8; 95%CI D 1.2-12.3; p D 0.026), the opinion that vaccine is safe (aOR D 2.8; 95%CI D 1.5-5.0; p D 0.001) and useful (aOR D 3.4; 95%CI D 1.7-6.7; p<0.0001), a specific training about influenza vaccination during the course (aOR D 1.5; 95%CI D 1.1-2.1; p D 0.043), and considering himself as at a major risk of influenza complication (aOR D 1.8; 95% CI D 1.1-2.9; p D 0.001) were significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Active invitation and training are confirmed as key actions (as in children vaccination strategies) and, according to our results, they could be routinely used to promote vaccination in hard-toreach groups such as healthcare workers.

Impact assessment of an educational course on vaccinations in a population of medical students

“…In a national survey, nearly one-third of the students in their last year of medical school in France felt inadequately prepared to deal with vaccination-related questions. These data are in tune with the data pertaining to the self-assessment of the level of knowledge given by our sample before the lecture [20, 21]. …”

Influenza vaccination: opinions of health care professionals working in pediatric emergency departments

“…To promote a higher adherence, a large quantity of tools have been employed, including memos, posters, fliers, text messages, emails to ‘gently push’ [38] health care professionals to vaccinate, together with educational activities on vaccines, open access to vaccine centers and vaccinations at the workplace [39, 40].…”

Healthcare Students' Flu Vaccine Uptake in the Last 5 Years and Future Vaccination Acceptance: Is There a Possible Association?

“…Only 43.1% of the sample consider their level of knowledge on vaccines and related VPDs as good/excellent with obviously more evidence for the students who have never been vaccinated. This is evocative of the lack of awareness and information about this topic, as documented in the international literature, due also to the heterogeneity of the educational offer from one university to another as already expressed 22 .…”