Seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among health and medical college studentsLamot, Monika (Avtor) Kirbiš, Andrej (Avtor) seasonal influenzavaccinationdecision-makinghealth behaviorstudentsdiscrete choice experimentSeasonal influenza is a highly contagious virus posing significant health risks, especially tochildren, pregnant women, and older adults. Despite its crucial role in prevention andreducing severity, vaccination rates among medical and health students, who frequentlyinteract with vulnerable groups, remain low. This study investigates attributes of influenzavaccines that predict vaccination decisions within this population, while also examininghow these preferences vary based on the health literacy levels of the respondents.Between May and June 2024, 239 Slovenian medical and health students completed anonline discrete choice experiment presenting vaccines varying in efficacy, side effects, andadministration site. Preferences were analyzed to identify key attributes. Results showedthat higher efficacy and fewer side effects drove vaccine choice across all disciplines.Medical students favored faculty-based vaccination, whereas nursing and other healthdiscipline students preferred GP offices and NIPH units. Health literacy did not alter theimportance of efficacy and safety, but those with sufficient literacy showed a strongerpreference for GP settings over faculty sites. Campaigns should emphasize vaccine efficacyand the low risk of severe side effects, reassuring that mild reactions are transient.Facilitating GP-based vaccination for nursing and other health discipline students mayfurther improve uptake.20252025-07-19 03:11:01Znanstveno delo93773sl