Background

Prevention through vaccinations in the group of healthcare professionals provides protection not only to this particular group but also to their environment. Students of the senior years of medical faculties are persons who will become healthcare professionals in the near future.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyze the attitudes of senior students of medical faculties towards vaccinations, analyze factors that influence these attitudes, and to assess their knowledge and awareness of the safety, effectiveness, and necessity of vaccinations.

Material and methods

The research tool was a self-made questionnaire. The study was conducted in a group of senior students of selected faculties at the Medical University of Warsaw.

Results

It has been shown that the vast majority of those surveyed were convinced of the importance and effectiveness of preventive vaccinations. The study also proves that proper education about vaccinations can increase the number of healthcare professionals who decide to undergo mandatory and recommended vaccinations. Persons who have the knowledge about vaccinations and their health and social benefits are more likely to decide to get vaccinated. The study also showed that the knowledge gained during medical studies is the basis for building awareness of future medical staff in the field of preventive vaccinations.

Conclusions

The results obtained in this study may be used to make a suggestion for medical universities and medical self-governing bodies on how to increase the vaccination rate among medical students and medical staff with mandatory vaccines and vaccines recommended for healthcare professionals.