Influenza vaccination: coverage and risk perception among students of the health professions at Florence University, Italy

Abstract

It is well demonstrated that influenza vaccination coverage among health care workers and health professions students continues to be low, despite WHO and CDCs strongly recommend flu shot for these categories. Aim of this work is to investigate among students the flu risk perception (both seasonal and 2009 H1N1), knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination and the main factors of acceptance or refusal of the vaccination. The study population includes 662 health professions students from the University of Florence. Survey was conducted from October 2010 to March 2011 by an anonymous questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 19 and the dichotomous variables were analysed using chi2 test and Fisher's exact test. The proportion of students vaccinated against seasonal flu was 10.3% in 2007, 12.1% in 2008, 12.6% in 2009. A lower percentage (9.6%) has received the H1N1v vaccine. In 2009, the majority of the vaccinated students chose to get immunized in order to protect themselves (84.8% for seasonal flu and 71% for H1N1) and other people (over 77% both for seasonal and H1N1). The most common reason to refuse vaccination was to perceive a low disease risk (62.5% for seasonal and 61.9% for H1N1). Our findings suggest the need to promote a better and accessible offer and to extend flu shot to students during vaccination campaign, in order to increase the primary prevention through vaccination among future's health care workers.