Current immunization policies for pneumococcal, meningococcal C, varicella and rotavirus vaccinations in Italy

Burden of varicella in Italy, 2001–2010: analysis of data from multiple sources and assessment of universal vaccination impact in three pilot regions

“…In Italy, although eight regions have recently introduced varicella vaccination in their childhood immunization program, chickenpox continues to have an endemo-epidemic trend (Alfonsi et al, 2011). Nevertheless, our data showed that in regions that first introduced a universal immunization programme, coverage rates increased rapidly, with a subsequent decreasing trend in varicellarelated hospitalizations and statutory notifications.…”

“…Concerning vaccinations, both mandatory (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and hepatitis B) and non-mandatory vaccinations (pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, mumps and rubella) are included in the essential health care interventions, and must by law be provided to all children free of charge across Italy (Alfonsi et al, 2011). Until the approval of the last PNPV in 2012, varicella vaccination was not included amongst immunizations to be offered free of charge to all children, and the regions adopted different varicella vaccination policies.…”

Immunisation registers in Italy: a patchwork of computerisation

“…A great heterogeneity among regions about health matters has emerged in Italy, sometimes with differences even within the same region [17]. An optimal situation is present only in four regions (with a population equal to 18% of the total Italian population), where individual data on vaccination history collected at LHUs is shared in real time with the regional level.…”

Comparative safety evaluation of 7-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal vaccines in routine paediatric vaccinations in four Italian regions, 2009 to 2011

“…However, it was in the following years increasingly offered also to other target groups, dependent on the vaccination policies in the individual regions [2]. Since 2008, pneumococcal vaccination has been included in the NIP free of charge for all newborns; it was administered as a three-dose schedule (during the first year of life) concomitantly with the hexavalent vaccine against diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), acellular pertussis (aP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and inactivated poliovirus (IPV) [4,5]. Thus, in routine practice, PCV and the hexavalent vaccine were usually administered concomitantly to children in a single vaccination session.…”