Influenza vaccination challenges in an at-risk student population: considerations for health services

The American College Health Association's, National College Health Assessment (ACHA's NCHA) estimates 46.1% of college students reported being vaccinated in the last year.

1) To understand the college student's knowledge, attitude, and beliefs in regards to influenza vaccination; 2) To establish recommendations in a population where high risk transmission does not consistently translate into high vaccination rates.

Utilizing the health belief model (HBM), a cross-sectional study of college student perspectives of influenza vaccination was conducted.

Student beliefs regarding vaccination-associated illness and the importance of vaccination did influence vaccination behavior. However, student perceptions of being at risk for the flu and the lack of barriers to vaccination were not found to be significant indicators of vaccination behavior.

For this particular population, vaccination promotion efforts may be most effectively targeted in the sophomore and junior years. Findings of this study inform efforts among University Health Services regarding seasonal flu prevention and vaccination on the college campus.