Bridging the Gap: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Adult Vaccination among Healthcare Professionals

Background: Adult immunization remains underutilized despite its proven benefits. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) play a pivotal role in vaccination implementation, yet their knowledge levels may vary significantly. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding adult vaccination schedules among HCPs in a tertiary care hospital in West Uttar Pradesh. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 HCPs (doctors, nurses, and pharmacists) using a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding adult vaccination. Results: While 52.5% of participants demonstrated moderate knowledge, only 19.8% had good knowledge. Significant discrepancies existed between professional categories: Doctors (mean score 65.2 ± 14.8), nurses (40.3 ± 13.7), and pharmacists (35.2 ± 12.5). Although 91.2% HCPs showed positive attitudes, only 53.1% of doctors regularly recommended vaccines. Awareness was highest for COVID-19 vaccine (99.1%) and traditional vaccines (Hepatitis B: 87.1%, Tetanus: 85.3%) but lowest for newer vaccines (Pneumococcal: 42.9%, Herpes Zoster: 22.1%). Primary barriers included a lack of institutional protocols (73.7%), time constraints (66.4%), and perceived patient non-affordability (63.1%). Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes, significant knowledge-practice gaps exist among HCPs. Targeted educational interventions and institutional protocols are needed to improve adult vaccination coverage.