Introduction. Influenza is an acute viral contagious disease. In specific cases it can contribute to exacerbation of chronic diseases and multi-organ complications requiring hospitalization. Health care personnel and medical students who have contact with patients can be a potential source of influenza infection in persons at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Despite of recommendations of expert organisations the influenza immunisation rate among medical stuff remains low. Aim of the study. Assessment of knowledge and compliance to influenza vaccines recommendations for health care workers among medical students. Estimating the influenza immunization rate in the study group, identification of factors affecting non-vaccination decision. Material and methods. An anonymous questionnaire was conducted among 388 students of 3rd year of medicine at Wrocław Medical University. Results. The influenza vaccine recommendations for health care personnel and medical students who have contact with patients are known respectively by 76% and 73% of the respondents. However the influenza immunization rate in season 2015/2016 was 9.82%, while in 2016/2017 – 8.76%. The most frequent reasons of non-vaccination were lack of time (32.74%), the belief that the vaccine is unnecessary (17.92%) or ineffective (14.38%). Despite of the symptoms of influenza-like infection 32% of students participated in clinical classes with patients. Conclusions. In spite of the knowledge of recommendations for health care personnel the influenza immunization rate among medical students remains at unsatisfactory level. The appropriate educational activities are needed, especially those increasing awareness of being a potential source of influenza infection in patients with a high risk for severe influenza-related complications.

Key words: influenza, vaccination, health care providers, medical students.