Vaccination adherence and level of knowledge: Is there a relationship?

BACKGROUND: Immunization coverage should be 95 to effectively protect the population from infectious diseases. From 2019 to 2021 global immunization coverage in the world has decreased from 86 to 81%, which is due to an increase in distrust of vaccination among both patients and medical personnel. AIM: To assess the vaccination adherence of physicians, nurses, and other medical institutions staff and its impact on the likelihood of vaccination recommendations for patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenient sample of employees of public and private clinics in Saint Petersburg (n = 465). RESULTS: 80% of the study participants with higher medical education, 70% with nurse education and 43.5% without a medical background have a positive attitude towards vaccination. High knowledge level increases vaccination adherence. Doctors who vaccinate themselves according to the national immunization schedule are 17 times more likely to recommend vaccination to their patients. CONCLUSIONS: Only 80% of the study participants with higher medical education, 70% with nurse education and 43.5% without a medical background have a positive attitude towards vaccination. The high level of knowledge of doctors about vaccination is the main factor that increases the likelihood of their recommendation of vaccination to patients.