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Abstract
Background:
Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing childhood diseases. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, play a crucial role in educating parents, promoting vaccine acceptance, and ensuring adherence to immunization schedules. Assessing their knowledge is essential to strengthen immunization services.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Government College of Nursing, Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), Peshawar, Pakistan, from July to December. A convenience sample of 169 nursing students was recruited. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27.
Results:
Most participants were aged 21–23 years (56.8%) and female (89.3%). High mean scores were observed for basic vaccine concepts (0.99 ± 0.077), while lower scores were noted for active (0.70 ± 0.460) and passive immunity (0.75 ± 0.433). Overall, 63.9% had good knowledge, 31.4% poor knowledge, and 4.7% excellent knowledge.
Conclusion:
Although nursing students demonstrated good theoretical knowledge of child immunization, gaps were identified in vaccine scheduling and practical aspects. Strengthening targeted educational and clinical training programs is recommended.