Vaccination Attitudes Among Nursing and Health Professions Students: A Literature Review
Faculty Mentor
Julie.Elting
Major/Area of Research
Nursing
Description
INTRODUCTION: Public health in the United States (US) is currently facing vast federal changes under the Trump administration that may significantly impact vaccination compliance. While personal attitudes and beliefs have long shaped public perceptions of vaccines in the US, the COVID-19 pandemic reignited debates over government involvement in public health mandates related to vaccination. This includes challenges to long-implemented childhood vaccination schedules and school attendance policies. Healthcare professions play an increasingly important role in the shaping of public perception and understanding of vaccination. As such, understanding the attitudes towards vaccination of students pursuing healthcare professions such as nursing is essential for developing educational interventions that can ensure competency in the future healthcare workforce despite an increasingly divided political climate. This literature review aims to synthesize existing research on vaccination attitudes among nursing and health professions students to identify influencing factors, knowledge gaps, and potential interventions.
METHOD: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed and CINAHL was conducted. Search terms included "vaccination attitudes," "vaccine hesitancy," "nursing students," "healthcare students," "medical students," "pharmacy students," "allied health students," "vaccine knowledge," and "immunization beliefs." Studies (N = 12) published in English between 2020 and 2025 were included. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were considered.
CONCLUSION: Vaccination attitudes among nursing and healthcare students are complex and influenced by various factors. These include misconceptions about vaccine ingredients, potential side effects, the necessity of certain vaccines, and herd immunity. Additionally, personal beliefs, cultural influences, and past experiences play a significant role in the decision-making related to vaccination. Addressing knowledge gaps, promoting trust, and utilizing effective educational interventions are crucial for ensuring future healthcare professionals are equipped to promote vaccination and protect public health. Continued research and collaboration are essential for developing and implementing strategies to improve vaccine confidence among students and the broader population.
Vaccination Attitudes Among Nursing and Health Professions Students: A Literature Review
INTRODUCTION: Public health in the United States (US) is currently facing vast federal changes under the Trump administration that may significantly impact vaccination compliance. While personal attitudes and beliefs have long shaped public perceptions of vaccines in the US, the COVID-19 pandemic reignited debates over government involvement in public health mandates related to vaccination. This includes challenges to long-implemented childhood vaccination schedules and school attendance policies. Healthcare professions play an increasingly important role in the shaping of public perception and understanding of vaccination. As such, understanding the attitudes towards vaccination of students pursuing healthcare professions such as nursing is essential for developing educational interventions that can ensure competency in the future healthcare workforce despite an increasingly divided political climate. This literature review aims to synthesize existing research on vaccination attitudes among nursing and health professions students to identify influencing factors, knowledge gaps, and potential interventions.
METHOD: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed and CINAHL was conducted. Search terms included "vaccination attitudes," "vaccine hesitancy," "nursing students," "healthcare students," "medical students," "pharmacy students," "allied health students," "vaccine knowledge," and "immunization beliefs." Studies (N = 12) published in English between 2020 and 2025 were included. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were considered.
CONCLUSION: Vaccination attitudes among nursing and healthcare students are complex and influenced by various factors. These include misconceptions about vaccine ingredients, potential side effects, the necessity of certain vaccines, and herd immunity. Additionally, personal beliefs, cultural influences, and past experiences play a significant role in the decision-making related to vaccination. Addressing knowledge gaps, promoting trust, and utilizing effective educational interventions are crucial for ensuring future healthcare professionals are equipped to promote vaccination and protect public health. Continued research and collaboration are essential for developing and implementing strategies to improve vaccine confidence among students and the broader population.