Abstract |
Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases; widespread immunity due to vaccination is largely responsible for securing public health in the 20th century, along with family planning and fluorination of drinking water1.
Since the development of the first vaccine against smallpox in 1796 and the widespread use of vaccines in the 1900s, there have been significant successes in the field of vaccination to reduce the morbidity and mortality. However, there is increasing public concern about vaccines, mainly focusing on their safety, along with increased use and popularity of vaccines2.
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are seen as the most reliable source of information on vaccination. They have a strong impact on vaccination decisions, may suggest vaccines to their patients, and contribute with their knowledge to the development of confidence in terms of timely and comprehensive vaccination coverage of the generalpopulation15. Full knowledge of healthcare workers is a prerequisite for the transmission of good knowledge to the patients concerned. In addition, their positive attitude to vaccination is a key factor in creating a positive attitude to the patients as well16.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of nurses and students of Nursing on vaccination in order to detect what can be improved so as to achieve a more positive attitude which in turn will influence the patient population they come in contact with.
For the purpose of this study, a quantitative research method was used, which was conducted using a structured questionnaire, which emerged after studying the international literature. The participants were the nursing personnel of the University General Hospital of Heraklion of different ages, education and experience, and the students of the Nursing Department of TEI of Heraklion. The data were coded and analyzed by SPSS v.20.
According to the analysis both students and nurses are in favor of vaccination in general, and in particular advocates of the mandatory vaccination of health care personnel and children. Most of them in both groups consider the vaccines safe and beneficial and the information available for them valid and reliable. A slight hesitation was found in the group of nurses, in regard to the vaccination of adults, pregnant women and themselves. There has been a slight discrepancy in the views of the two groups in general , which may be due to the different experiences, knowledge and perceptions.
In conclusion there is room for improvement of the views of both groups, who,if more positive about the vaccination,would be able to support hesitant people and positively guide and affect their patients whenever asked.
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