Vaccination against influenza and attitudes towards seasonal vaccination of medical students from the Medical University of Silesia

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Abstract
Introduction: To reduce the incidence of influenza, healthcare workers and medical students are recommended to receive annual seasonal vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the behavior of students regarding their willingness to be vaccinated against influenza and the attitudes influencing their approval or disapproval of influenza vaccination. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was designed as an online survey among students of the Medical University of Silesia (MUS) of all years and specialties, as MUS is the largest medical college in Poland. A total of 302 students participated in the study and completed an online questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. The significance of the differences was tested using the chi-square test. Results: The percentage of students who received influenza vaccinations in the past was 42.1%, and in the current influenza season (Autumn 2022) was 33.4%. The level of vaccination differed significantly depending on the study program (p < 0.001). An important variable affecting the decision to vaccinate was participation in clinical classes. Among the students taking practical classes, 59.4% were vaccinated. Most respondents had a positive opinion about influenza vaccination (98%). Belief in the effectiveness of vaccination (35.6%) was the main reason for vaccination against influenza, as indicated by the respondents. The main reason for not being vaccinated was a lack of fear of influenza infection (22.9%). Conclusions: The results obtained in this study indicate the need to introduce changes in the field of broader education regarding the effectiveness of vaccinations in reducing the number of influenza virus infections among medical students.

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