Barriers Associated with Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among College Students

Abstract

Influenza can spread rapidly on college campuses because of high-density living conditions and frequent social interactions. However, seasonal influenza vaccination rates on college campuses are low. The purpose of this study is to identify barriers associated with receipt of the seasonal influenza vaccination. Questionnaires were completed by a convenience sample of 383 undergraduate students in January 2014. Data were analyzed to identify barriers associated with receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine. Only 20.6% of students reported receiving the vaccine within the last 6 months. Among students who did not receive the vaccine, 47.8% believed they would get influenza from the vaccine, 41.6% believed the vaccination may have dangerous side effects, and 39.6% believed they were not at risk for contracting influenza. The majority of nonvaccinated students did not believe cost of the vaccine or access to the vaccine were barriers. Many college students are not receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine, representing an important area for improvement. Understanding potential barriers associated with receipt of this vaccine is important for identifying and creating effective public health education programs and campaigns. There is a need for enhanced vaccination education efforts among college students, particularly with respect to the safety and importance of this vaccine.

Attitudes and barriers associated with seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among public health students; a cross-sectional study

“…The questionnaire was adapted from a previous 2014 study assessing seasonal influenza vaccination coverage, as well as vaccine attitudes and barriers among undergraduate students at CSUN [ 24 ]. The questionnaire was redesigned to be in electronic format and administered through an online survey response collection program.…”

“…US medical student and resident seasonal influenza vaccination rates have been found to range from 48 to 58% [ 12 – 17 ]. Outside of studies focused on students pursuing medical degrees, there have been few assessing influenza vaccination habits of general college students, with existing research finding vaccination rates from 8 to 30% [ 18 – 24 ]. Continued research is needed in college students, as influenza has the potential to threaten student populations due to ease of transmission through close social contact and the close proximity of living conditions [ 25 – 29 ].…”

A Prevention Project to Increase Influenza Vaccination in The Community Through Health Literacy

“…The CDC influenza report showed influenza related illnesses of between 9.2 million and 60.8 million with high number of casualties since 2010 and also reported vaccine prevented disease of 5.1 million influenza illnesses (https:// www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/2015-16.htm). Despite the available statistics of the consequences of influenza several individuals are still refusing vaccination according to Benjamin and Bahr, (2016). Nurses are at the forefront of patient care and most trusted workforce in the nation, (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2013).…”

Don't Go Viral: An Evidence-Based Practice Project for Increasing Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Rates on a College Campus

“…Despite vaccine effectiveness (VE) and recommendations for receiving the annual vaccination, some individuals continue to hold misconceptions, have a lack of knowledge or motivation about obtaining the vaccination (Benjamin & Bahr, 2016). According to Bednarczyk et al (2014) and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID; 2016), young adults, including college students, are one group that holds these misunderstandings about the benefits of vaccination.…”

“…The CDC's (2016b) position is the seasonal influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the virus. Obtaining the seasonal influenza vaccination reduces doctor's visits for seasonal influenza-related illnesses by appropriately 50% -60% among the overall population when the viruses are spreading in the community (CDC, 2016d).Despite vaccine effectiveness (VE) and recommendations for receiving the annual vaccination, some individuals continue to hold misconceptions, have a lack of knowledge or motivation about obtaining the vaccination (Benjamin & Bahr, 2016). According to Bednarczyk et al (2014) and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID; 2016), young adults, including college students, are one group that holds these misunderstandings about the benefits of vaccination.…”