Assessing and Bridging the Gap in Vaccinology Education: Insights from Romanian Medical Universities

Abstract

Background: Vaccinology education forms a cornerstone of effective public health strategies, particularly in the face of global challenges such as vaccine hesitancy. This study investigates the current state of vaccinology education within Romanian medical universities, compares it against European standards, and identifies potential gaps in the curriculum. Methods: We created a survey that aimed to determine the prevalence of vaccinology concepts within current curricula and to perform a gap analysis against the desired competency levels recommended by the European Society of Vaccinology. The survey was distributed to faculty heads and independently to students across 14 medical universities in Romania. The survey focused on nine key areas of vaccinology. Results: Seven universities participated, three of which met the inclusion criteria based on response rates. The study revealed that while certain areas of vaccinology, such as the historical context of immunization and key aspects of immunology, were well covered, practical aspects of vaccine administration were less emphasized. The survey also revealed a disparity between faculty and student perceptions of the importance of a specialized vaccinology curriculum. Conclusions: The findings underscore a significant convergence between the current curriculum and desired educational standards yet highlight the need for curricular revisions to address less-covered areas. We advocate for the integration of specialized vaccinology courses at advanced stages of medical education. Aligning educational content with the needs perceived by students and faculty can help optimize the curriculum to better prepare medical professionals for public health challenges.