Vaccination Status and Other Preventive Measures in Medical Schools. Big Needs and Opportunities.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Proper immunization and knowledge in infection prevention are key factors in protecting medical students. AIM OF THE STUDY To describe the status on vaccination recommended for healthcare workers (HCW) and infection prevention knowledge. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on medical students at clinical years of medical school from a public University in Mexico. RESULTS: A total of 1,824 medical students responded the survey. One thousand ninety (59.8%) were women. Median age was 22 years. One thousand six hundred twenty-two (88.9%) knew their childhood immunization status. One thousand seventy-one (58.7%) were vaccinated against influenza for the 2016-2017 season; 1667 (91.4%) had been vaccinated at least once against hepatitis B, only 315 (18.9%) of vaccinated had received a full course with 3 doses. Most students were vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella during childhood, 542 (29.7%) received an additional dosage during or after adolescence. Six hundred ninety-seven (38.2%) were concerned about vaccine's safety. A total of 1,431 (78.5%) properly identified situations were standard precautions are recommended, and 1540 (84.4%) had received some training on safe care delivery and personal protective equipment. Regarding needle-stick injuries, 1165 (63.9%) had been informed on the protocols to follow if an injury occurred. Three hundred forty-nine (19.1%) had suffered needle-stick injuries, only 125 (35.8%) received immediate medical attention at the point of care. CONCLUSIONS: Most medical students were not vaccinated as recommended, and they were not adequately instructed on safe practices for medical attention, nor advised or followed when a health-care related accident occurs. The results may be useful for implementation strategies on vaccination compliance and training on infection prevention.