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In Italy, the introduction of Universal Varicella Vaccination (UVV) has been decided but postponed, as a national programme, until 2015, when data from Regions which have already implemented it will be available. Starting from 2003, eight Italian Regions (Basilicata, Calabria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Apulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Veneto) have progressively introduced UVV, in their immunization programme, with different schedules in children aged 13–15 months and 5–6 years, currently a two-dose schedule is adopted by all Regions. In June 2013, an Interregional Group on Varicella Vaccination (IGVV) has been established in order to assess the effectiveness of varicella vaccination with standardized and shared tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of varicella vaccination on the incidence and hospitalizations due to varicella and its complications in the period 2003–2012 in order to support the Italian decision makers on the future national adoption. Preliminary data showed that a general reduction of incidence and hospitalization rates was observed in the study period, resulting in relevant savings for the National Health Service. Immunization coverage with first dose at 24 months of age was high in all Regions (84%–95%) in 2012. Adverse events due to varicella vaccines were rare and without permanent sequelae. Underreporting of varicella cases and delays in the administration of the first dose of varicella vaccines were the main critical issues. In conclusion, solid evidences in support of universal UVV arise from the experiences available today in Italy.

We evaluated whether the increased immunogenicity provided by an MF59-adjuvant influenza vaccine translates into increased protection among the elderly. Residents of 25 long-term care facilities received either the adjuvant or a non-adjuvant vaccine. The odds ratios (OR) of influenza-like illness were calculated for non-adjuvant vs. adjuvant vaccine recipients, also stratifying for chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal diseases. The risk was higher for the non-adjuvant vaccine recipients and highest for those with respiratory disease (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.09-4.82) and cardiovascular disease (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.31-2.72). In this study the MF59-adjuvant vaccine provided superior clinical protection among the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases.

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