Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake and Intentions Among Nursing Students in Hong Kong

Background/Objectives: Seasonal influenza is a global public health issue, and influenza vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. Nursing students are at a higher risk of contracting it due to clinical exposure. However, vaccination uptake among nursing students remains low. This study examines seasonal influenza vaccination uptake rates and the predictors of nursing students' willingness to receive this vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted using a well-validated questionnaire in order to collect data from a convenience sample of nursing students in Hong Kong from early November to early December 2024. Results: Out of the 461 valid responses received, 67.5% were from females, with a mean age of 20.53 (SD = 2.16) years. Vaccination history was diverse: 34.3% reported that they underwent influenza vaccination in the most recent season, 49.7% reported that they were vaccinated one to two times over the preceding five years, and only 5% reported that they undergo vaccination annually. A logistic regression model showed that the respondents who had been vaccinated against influenza in the most recent years (OR = 2.881, 95% CI: 1.773-4.680) had been vaccinated against influenza 1-2 times (OR = 3.239, 95% CI: 1.750-5.993), had been vaccinated 3-4 times (OR = 3.984, 95% CI: 1.773-8.957), had been vaccinated every year (OR = 10.353, 95% CI: 3.025-35.436) in the past five years, and had a higher score of perceived susceptibility (OR = 2.244, 95% CI: 1.302-3.867) were more likely to intend to be vaccinated with an influenza vaccine in the coming year. Conclusions: Annual seasonal influenza vaccination rates among nursing students remain low, though they have improved. We recommend that the Hong Kong government, healthcare organizations, and universities develop effective strategies for promoting annual seasonal influenza vaccination to safeguard both patients' health and the health of future nursing professionals.