Analysis of Health Students' Perceptions About Yellow Fever Vaccination

Authors

• Adrielle de Mello Dutra Universidade Anhembi Morumbi
• Camilla Beraldo da Silva Universidade Anhembi Morumbi
• Julia Bandeira Faccini Rocha Universidade Anhembi Morumbi
• Patricia Ucelli Simioni Universidade Anhembi Morumbi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17058/dj44yw45

Keywords:

Yellow fever, vaccine, vaccination, health, education

Abstract

Introduction: Yellow fever is an infectious disease caused by the RNA virus of the Flavivirus genus. In Brazil, the live attenuated virus vaccine has an efficacy of over 95%. In 2024, vaccination coverage dropped from 91% to 63% due to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.. Objective: This study analyzed health students’ knowledge about yellow fever vaccination and proposed educational actions to increase adherence.  Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 59 health students from São Paulo state using online questionnaires, with data approved by the XXXX. ethics committee. Results: . Among participants, 69.5% were women, 83.1% were aged 19–29 years, and 32.2% were in the 7th semester. While 98% reported knowledge of the disease, 68% admitted partial inability to clarify doubts confidently. Regarding vaccine side effects, 44% showed limited ability to provide scientific explanations, and 46% mentioned fever, muscle pain, and headache as the most common effects. Only 36% correctly indicated the interval needed to resume breastfeeding post-vaccination. When guiding parents about vaccination, 53% were hesitant, and 49% felt insecure addressing "anti-vaccination" parents. However, 83% correctly identified the disease vectors, and 78% knew the recommended doses for children. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to strengthen health students’ knowledge to promote more effective communication and improve health education practices.

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