Meningococcal serogroup C vaccination in students of a faculty of medicine: Coverage and perceptions

Background. Our region is facing a situation of hyperendemic meningococcal disease (MD) with the implementation of a targeted vaccination campaign against serogroup B in 2009. Students are a population at risk. Knowing the perception of medical students on vaccination will improve education and information. Objectives. The objectives of the study were to assess immunization coverage of medical students against meningococcal serogroup C with a focus on those from hyperendemic districts, to explore their representation of the meningitis vaccine, and seek promoting factors and barriers to vaccination. Methods. A descriptive survey was conducted from self-administered questionnaires available to all students of a French medical school. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing vaccination. Results. The response rate was 51.6%, or 562 usable questionnaires. The declarative rate of this vaccination is 21.8%. Factors positively influencing the immunization status are the recent discussion of vaccination status, being up to date with mandatory vaccinations and young age. Reasons for non-vaccination are the lack of proposal (29.3%), lack of information (19.3%) and lack of opportunity (12.4%). The students are mostly in favor of vaccinations (87.3%). Being native of hyperendemic MD B districts does not influence their position or their vaccination status. Among the students, 52.2% consider themselves to he at risk of MD because of their medical studies. Conclusion. Information about vaccines should be systematic for students admitted to the second year, before their clinical training. Preventive health services, occupational health care services, academic and student associations can contribute to it. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.