Global Mapping of Evidence on Vaccination Related Education Through School Based Curriculum: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Educating school children about vaccination as a part of health promotion intervention is one of the strategies to improve vaccination acceptance. The aim of this scoping review is to describe the range of school-based education interventions related to vaccination and particularly about efforts to include such education in school curricula.<h4>Methods</h4>This systematic scoping review was conducted based on the methodological framework proposed by Arskey and O'Malley. Searches were performed in four databases from Nov 1, 2004 to Nov 30, 2024. Databases were systematically searched for published articles on school education on vaccination. Two independent authors screened the articles followed by data extraction using MS-Excel tool.<h4>Results</h4>Out of total identified 18,706 articles, only six articles met the inclusion criteria. All studies were focused on developed countries and most were experimental studies. Interventions were delivered by teachers or researchers and reported general improvements in vaccine knowledge as well as of vaccine-specific interventions. This review documented the outcomes on a curriculum based on immunity and vaccine related concept in school education. The review also highlights the ad hoc approach of health promotion during the vaccine specific knowledge dissemination in school.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Formalizing health education could be a long-term strategy for better public health outcomes which face numerous challenges due to vaccine hesitancy or denial. Structured school curriculum on vaccination is warranted to sustain the knowledge on vaccination and its effect on community.