Medical students' knowledge on vaccinology

Abstract

Introduction: The mistrust of vaccinations is already experienced among physicians. It is important for physicians to be well informed, able to convince their patients of the usefulness of vaccinations and set good example for them in this field. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the vaccine knowledge and attitudes of the general medical students of Semmelweis University and their attitudes towards vaccinations before and after the education of 'Public Health and Preventive Medicine'. Emphasis was placed on the students' opinion on the vaccines against influenza, measles and hepatitis B virus and their effectiveness. Method: Data collection was done with volunteer participants, using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. The relationship between education and vaccination coverage was proved by calculating Pearson's correlation and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The knowledge of medical students is incomplete, with negative attitudes towards vaccination against influenza. Generally, respondents found the vaccines useful, but only two-thirds of them considered the influenza vaccine to be important. Students had 6.5% flu vaccination coverage before education, and 24% after education. Two-thirds (67.8%) of the students were aware that the flu vaccine could be given during an epidemic. Surprisingly, the importance of hand washing has been given a greater role in the primary prevention of influenza than flu vaccine. Conclusions: Education plays an important role in shaping the attitudes and responsible behaviour of future physicians. They need to acquire reliable knowledge to persuade their patients as practitioners to use the most effective means of primary prevention of infectious diseases. A change of attitude is needed to stop the route of infection through vaccination, to protect not only their own health but also that of their environment and thus of their patients. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(30): 1193-1199.