Date on Honors Thesis

Spring 2026

Major

Nursing

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Nancy Armstrong, Advisor

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Michael Perlow, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Janice Thurmond, Committee Member

Abstract/Description

In recent years, more of the general population of the United States has become skeptical about vaccines and overall vaccination numbers have declined. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccines have become somewhat of a controversial topic due to varying opinions about the adverse reactions and effectiveness of vaccines. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between a person’s overall knowledge of vaccinations and a person’s vaccination status by asking a series of questions about the science used in vaccines and identifying the participant’s vaccination status in regards to influenza and Covid-19. This study also asked participants to rate their expected knowledge level and compare this with their answers to the questions regarding the science behind vaccines to determine if the lack of vaccine education plays a role in vaccination status. After participants completed the study, they were given the option to receive information further educating them about vaccines. This study found that how much a person cares about getting vaccinated is a major factor in vaccination status, rather than knowledge level. Participants that received higher scores on the knowledge test tended to have stronger opinions and stick with them, resulting in consistency among their vaccination histories.

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