Evaluation of Vaccination Coverage and Compliance Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Documentary Analysis

Introduction: Vaccination is a cornerstone of primary healthcare, particularly critical for medical students and healthcare professionals due to constant occupational exposure to infectious agents.This study aimed to evaluate the vaccination status of medical students at a private higher education institution in the Federal District, Brazil, comparing their self-perceived protection with actual immunization records.Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between August 2024 and July 2025, involving 90 medical students from various semesters.Data collection utilized structured online questionnaires and documentary analysis of digital vaccination cards submitted via the "Meu SUS Digital" platform or physical records.Evaluated immunizations included hepatitis A, hepatitis B (HBV), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus/dT, yellow fever, meningococcal C and ACWY, influenza (2024 campaign), and COVID-19.Data were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies.Results: Although 75 (83.3%)participants self-reported having an up-to-date vaccination card and 85 (94.4%) felt protected for clinical practice, documentary analysis revealed severe gaps.Only 16 (19.3%)participants possessed a completely up-to-date occupational schedule for all analyzed immunogens.Significant deficits included 56 (67.5%) lacking hepatitis A doses, 77 (92.8%) lacking meningococcal ACWY records, and 22 (26.5%)lacking the 2024 influenza vaccine.The primary reasons cited for missing vaccines were lack of availability at the appropriate age (n = 10, 43.5%) and unknown causes (n = 10, 43.5%).Descriptively, students with parents in the healthcare field and those in advanced internship semesters showed proportionally higher completeness rates, although overall coverage remained insufficient.Furthermore, 57 (63.3%) respondents recognized a lack of information regarding occupational infection risks during their academic training.Conclusions: A profound discrepancy exists between medical students' perceived immunological protection and their actual immunization status.These findings highlight an urgent need for institutional interventions, curriculum enhancements, and mandatory vaccination verification protocols to safeguard students and patients in clinical learning environments.