Status of and Factors Influencing Vaccination against the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus among University Students from the Fields of Nursing and Allied Health

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was to identify the current status of vaccination against the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus among university students from the fields of nursing and allied health from a local community and verify factors influencing vaccination. METHODS: The study included 227 students in the fields of nursing and allied health from a provincial university. Data were obtained from these participants between May 31 and June 11, 2010 by using self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: The rate of vaccination against the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus for these participants was 14.5%. No difference was observed in this regard between majors and school year. Factors that influence vaccination against this virus included previous vaccination against seasonal influenza and participants' attitudes toward general vaccination. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that for effective pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination of university students from the fields of nursing and allied health, students who have not been vaccinated should be intensively managed. Developing a vaccination program that encourages a positive attitude toward vaccination is recommended.