Vaccine coverage of healthcare students in hospitals of the Paris region in 2009: The Studyvax Survey

• We surveyed 432 healthcare students (doctors, nurses, midwives) randomly selected from Paris area.
• We examined their vaccine coverage and determinants of vaccination for measles and influenza vaccinations.
• Despite willingness to receive measles and pertussis vaccination, coverage for these vaccines was low.

IntroductionHealthcare students should comply with the same vaccination recommendations as employed healthcare professionals. Vaccination coverage data for healthcare students are lackingMaterials and methodsThis cross-sectional survey was carried out on medical, nursing and midwifery students in 15 hospitals of the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris with a maternity ward. All midwifery students were surveyed, and a subset of medical and nursing students were selected from 10 hospitals by three-stage random sampling. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews and verified from health records.ResultsA total of 432 students were included in the study (178 medical, 147 nursing, 107 midwifery), of whom 376 (87%) had proof of vaccination. The confirmed coverage for compulsory vaccinations was 96.9% for the booster dose of diphtheria–tetanus–poliomyelitis vaccine, 93.6% for BCG and 91.8% for at least three doses of hepatitis B. The coverage for recommended vaccinations confirmed by a vaccine booklet was 44% for pertussis (booster at 11–13 or 16–18 years of age), and 79.3% and 49.6% for the first and second doses of measles, respectively. The rate for influenza vaccination was 39.6%, based on self-reported information. Of the 27 students without any history of varicella infection, six had been vaccinated.DiscussionVaccination coverage of healthcare students is high for compulsory vaccinations, but largely insufficient for recommended vaccinations. Increased awareness regarding the required vaccinations is necessary in this population, as well as stronger enforcement prior to initiating clinical work.