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Vigezzi GP, Maggioni E, Bert F, de Vito C, Siliquini R, Odone A. Who is (not) vaccinated? A proposal for a comprehensive immunization information system. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2386739. [PMID: 39103249 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2386739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of immunization in public health is crucial, offering widespread protection against infectious diseases and underpinning societal well-being. However, achieving optimal vaccination coverage is impeded by vaccine hesitancy, a significant challenge that necessitates comprehensive strategies to understand and mitigate its effects. We propose the integration of Population Health Management principles with Immunization Information Systems (IISs) to address vaccine hesitancy more effectively. Our approach leverages systematic health determinants analysis to identify at-risk populations and tailor interventions, thereby promoting vaccination coverage and public health responses. We call for the development of an enhanced version of the Italian National Vaccination Registry, which aims to facilitate real-time tracking of individuals' vaccination status while improving data accuracy and interoperability among healthcare systems. This registry is designed to overcome current barriers by ensuring robust data protection, addressing cultural and organizational challenges, and integrating behavioral insights to foster informed public health campaigns. Our proposal aligns with the Italian National Vaccination Prevention Plan 2023-2025 and emphasizes proactive, evidence-based strategies to increase vaccination uptake and contrast the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. The ultimate goal is to establish a data-driven, ethically sound framework that enhances public health outcomes and addresses the complexities of vaccine hesitancy within the Italian context and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Maggioni
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bert
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Corrado de Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Siliquini
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Medical Direction, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Baglivo F, De Angelis L, Magrì M, De Nicola I, De Vita E, Lopalco PL, Rizzo C, Fedele A. The impact of COVID-19 vaccination campaign on pediatric vaccine uptake based on parents' attitudes towards mandatory and recommended vaccination in Southern Italy. Vaccine 2024; 42:3615-3620. [PMID: 38704254 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigates the association between parental attitudes towards mandatory and recommended vaccines in the National Immunization Plan (NIP) of Italy and their acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5-11 years. METHODS Using data from approximately 42,000 children in Southern Italy, parental attitudes towards previous vaccinations were examined. Mandatory and recommended vaccinations were considered for the analysis, with the first shot of each schedule being considered relevant, regardless of when it was administered or whether the recommended number of doses was administered. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze associations between the covariates of age, sex, adherence to mandatory vaccinations, number of recommended vaccinations, and COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was 50.7% in our sample. We revealed a strong association between parental attitudes towards previous vaccinations and the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Mandatory vaccinations under the NIP showed the highest acceptance rates, and among non-mandatory vaccines, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine had the highest acceptance rate, potentially due to its co-administration with the hexavalent vaccine. The study identified a trend of lower COVID-19 vaccine coverage in younger children. CONCLUSIONS The study underscores the importance of co-administration approaches and well-planned vaccination schedules in enhancing vaccine coverage. It suggests that integrating newer vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccine, into established vaccination schedules could potentially increase acceptance and coverage. The findings highlight the urgency of addressing vaccine hesitancy, particularly in the pediatric population, to ensure high vaccination coverage and effective disease control. Further research is needed to explore the potential strategies to increase vaccine acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Baglivo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luigi De Angelis
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mariano Magrì
- Prevention Department Local Health Authority-Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | - Ingrid De Nicola
- Prevention Department Local Health Authority-Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | - Erica De Vita
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Rizzo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Fedele
- Prevention Department Local Health Authority-Lecce, Lecce, Italy
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Balan L, Secosan C, Sorop VB, Pirtea M, Cimpean AM, Chiriac D, Balan C, Borsi E, Iorga A, Pirtea L. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and Precursor Lesions-A Single-Center Retrospective Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:909. [PMID: 38929526 PMCID: PMC11206154 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Our aim was to perform a retrospective analysis of the volume of cervical screening tests, the number of patients treated with an excision method, and the incidence of invasive and non-invasive cervical during a pandemic and pre-pandemic period of 24 months. Materials and Methods: The study compared 404 patients who underwent cervical cone biopsy for cervical cancer. The study examined patients' specimens based on histopathological characteristics and categorized cervical lesions based on pap smear. Results: There was a statistically significant age difference between the two study periods. The mean difference was 32 years before the pandemic and 35 years during the pandemic (p-value > 0.05). The biggest patient loss ratio identified by age group was in the 50-59-year group, with a 14.53% loss in the pre-pandemic period and a 9.1% loss in the pandemic period. In the pandemic period, patients from rural areas presented in the clinical trial with a lower rate of 39.52% (83 patients) vs. 60.47% (127 patients) in urban areas. A higher percentage of patients experiencing cervicorrhagia as a clinical manifestation in the pandemic period vs. the pre-pandemic period, with an increase in more severe lesions in the pandemic period, had a statistical significance of 8% more newly diagnosed compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusions: The addressability of the patients during the COVID period was not affected in a drastic way in our study. We encountered a decrease in appointments in the age group of 50-59 years and a decrease in patients with rural residence. In our study, we found an increase in cervical bleeding as a reason for consultation in the pandemic period with a higher lesion degree, both on a pap smear and on a cervical biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Balan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.B.); (V.-B.S.); (M.P.); (D.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Cristina Secosan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.B.); (V.-B.S.); (M.P.); (D.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Virgiliu-Bogdan Sorop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.B.); (V.-B.S.); (M.P.); (D.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Marilena Pirtea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.B.); (V.-B.S.); (M.P.); (D.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Anca Maria Cimpean
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Daniela Chiriac
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.B.); (V.-B.S.); (M.P.); (D.C.); (L.P.)
| | - Catalin Balan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ema Borsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Discipline of Hematology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ariana Iorga
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology “Dr. Victor Babes”, 300310 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Laurentiu Pirtea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (L.B.); (V.-B.S.); (M.P.); (D.C.); (L.P.)
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Bianchi FP, Stefanizzi P, Cuscianna E, Riformato G, Di Lorenzo A, Giordano P, Germinario CA, Tafuri S. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Italian parents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2171185. [PMID: 36698309 PMCID: PMC10012888 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2171185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In May 2021, the Italian government extended the COVID-19 vaccination campaign to 12- to 18-year-old subjects and, starting December 2021, vaccines were also offered to children between 5 and 11 years-old. Despite these efforts, suboptimal vaccination coverages are reported. The purpose of this review is to estimate the proportion of parents/caregivers of children and adolescents expressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Italy. The vaccine hesitation rate among parents of minors was 55.1% (95%CI: 43.8-66.1%). A higher value was evidenced in studies focusing on children (59.9%; 95%CI = 43.7-75.1%) compared to the ones focusing on adolescents (51.3%; 95%CI = 34.5-68.0%). The main reasons for unwillingness were the belief that the vaccine was unsafe or ineffective, fear of adverse events, and considering COVID-19 a non-threatening disease. The implementation of effective communication campaigns and health educational programs on safe pediatric vaccinations is essential to support strategies to bolster vaccination confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Eustachio Cuscianna
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Riformato
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Giordano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Tafuri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Arzilli G, Stacchini L, Casigliani V, Mazzilli S, Aquino F, Oradini-Alacreu A, Bruni B, Quattrone F, Papini F, Sironi D, Porretta AD, Privitera GP, Rizzo C, Tavoschi L, Lopalco PL. Assessing vaccine hesitancy and health literacy using a new Italian vaccine confidence index and a modified Italian medical term recognition test: A cross-sectional survey on Italian parents. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2271765. [PMID: 37906161 PMCID: PMC10760377 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2271765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline in children's vaccination coverage and the resurgence of preventable infectious diseases draw attention to parents' vaccine hesitancy. Our study introduces two validated tools to independently assess vaccine hesitancy and health literacy among parents with school-age children. We developed a Vaccine Confidence Index (VCI) from 10 Likert items, exploring their relationships through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We modified the IMETER (Italian medical term recognition test) to measure health literacy. We assessed the internal consistency of the modified IMETER and the 10 Likert items using Cronbach's alpha test (α) and McDonald's omega total coefficient (ω) with good results (ω = 0.92, α = 0.90; ω = 0.87, α = 0.82 respectively). We used these tools within a questionnaire conducted on 743 parents recruited from pediatric clinic waiting rooms in Italy, collecting demographic data, information sources on vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases knowledge. The VCI resulting from factor analyses consisted of six items on a ten-point Likert scale, reflecting the ratio of positive to negative items. The survey revealed significant variations in the VCI according to individual features such as education, use of social networks, or Health institutions as sources of information. Multivariate logistic regression identified an association between vaccine intention and the VCI. Health literacy was functional for 91.2% of participants, but knowledge about vaccine-preventable diseases was generally low. The VCI showed no significant association with health literacy and vaccine-preventable diseases knowledge. The VCI and the modified IMETER effectively assess vaccination attitude and health literacy, offering valuable public health tools for tailoring vaccination campaigns to hesitant population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Arzilli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Stacchini
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Virginia Casigliani
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Aquino
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Versilia, Italy
| | - Aurea Oradini-Alacreu
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Bruni
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Versilia, Italy
| | - Filippo Quattrone
- Management and Healthcare Laboratory, Institute of Management and Department EMbeDS, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Papini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Sironi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Davide Porretta
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pierpaolo Privitera
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Rizzo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Tavoschi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Lopalco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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CONTARINO FABIO, DI PIETRO ERMINIO, RANDAZZO CONCETTA, BELLA FRANCESCA, CONTRINO MARIALIA. Effectiveness of a vaccine recovery plan after the COVID-19 pandemic in the Siracusa Local Health Authority, Italy. Results of one year follow-up. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2023; 64:E289-E297. [PMID: 38125998 PMCID: PMC10730062 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2023.64.3.3001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted on the immunization services around the world, threatening the gains made in the control of vaccine-preventable diseases. Methods A vaccination recovery plan of missed vaccinations has been put in place in the LHA of Siracusa after the pandemic. We compared 2021 and 2020 vaccination coverage by age group and vaccine type after one year of follow-up of the recovery plan. The Chi-square test was executed on proportions for the years 2021 vs 2020. Results were considered statistically significant at a two-tailed p-value ≤ 0.05. Results 36-month coverage rates were 92.5% for polio and 93.7% for measles-containing-vaccine, representing -0.3% and -1.8% decreases, respectively, as compared to 2020. By 8 years of age (booster doses), immunisation coverage was 80.7% for polio and 80.1% for measles, representing a -5.7% and -3.7%, respectively, compared to 2020. 36-month coverage was 56.6% for Men B (-5.0% as compared to 2020), 73.2% for Men ACW135Y/C (+1.1% as compared to 2020) and 86.9% for PNC vaccine (-1.7%, as compared to 2020). Regarding HPV vaccination, in 2021, vaccine coverage was 44.2% (-4.4% compared to 2020). Compared to the previous report, the VC difference among the cohorts narrowed for all almost vaccinations, except for the anti-men B and the anti-HPV vaccination, for which we recorded an increase in VC difference, and for men ACW135Y/C, for which a significant increase has been recorded. Conclusions Despite the efforts to organize and realize an extensive and well-designed vaccination recovery, our data show that even after the 1-year follow-up, globally deficits in coverage for these routine vaccinations persist, although there has been a substantial and significant recovery of missed vaccinations, especially among younger children and for primary cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- FABIO CONTARINO
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Unit,
Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa,
Italy
| | - ERMINIO DI PIETRO
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Unit,
Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa,
Italy
| | - CONCETTA RANDAZZO
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Unit,
Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa,
Italy
| | - FRANCESCA BELLA
- Siracusa Cancer Registry, Provincial Health Authority of
Siracusa, Italy
| | - MARIA LIA CONTRINO
- Head of Department of Public Health,
Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa,
Italy
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Sana S, Fabbro E, Zovi A, Vitiello A, Ola-Ajayi T, Zahoui Z, Salami B, Sabbatucci M. Scoping Review on Barriers and Challenges to Pediatric Immunization Uptake among Migrants: Health Inequalities in Italy, 2003 to Mid-2023. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1417. [PMID: 37766094 PMCID: PMC10537267 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, asylum seekers, refugees, and foreign-born migrants are more likely to suffer from physical, mental, and socioeconomic consequences owing to their existing vulnerabilities and worsening conditions in refugee camps around the world. In this scenario, the education of migrants and newcomers about immunization is critical to achieving health equity worldwide. Globally, it is unclear whether government vaccination policies are prioritizing the health information needs of migrants. We searched for studies investigating the vaccination uptake of migrant children settled in Italy that were published between January 2003 and 25 June 2023. Following Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage method for scoping reviews, all potentially relevant literature published in English was retrieved from SciSearch, Medline, and Embase. This search resulted in 88 research articles, 25 of which met our inclusion criteria. Our findings indicate unequal access to vaccination due to a lack of available information in the native language of the immigrants' country of origin, vaccine safety concerns or lack of awareness, logistical difficulties, and fear of legal consequences. The findings strongly encourage further government and political discourse to ensure migrants have fair, equitable, ethical, and timely access to essential medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samina Sana
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.S.); (T.O.-A.); (Z.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Elisa Fabbro
- Internationalization Staff Unit, Institutional Services Area, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Area Science Park, Padriciano, 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Zovi
- Directorate General for Hygiene, Food Safety and Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.Z.)
| | - Antonio Vitiello
- Directorate General for Hygiene, Food Safety and Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.Z.)
| | - Toluwani Ola-Ajayi
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.S.); (T.O.-A.); (Z.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Ziad Zahoui
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.S.); (T.O.-A.); (Z.Z.); (B.S.)
| | - Bukola Salami
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.S.); (T.O.-A.); (Z.Z.); (B.S.)
- Directorate General for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sabbatucci
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive, Calgary, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
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Isonne C, Petrone D, Del Manso M, Iera J, Caramia A, Bandini L, Fadda G, Grossi A, Baccolini V, Costantino C, Pezzotti P, Siddu A, D'Ancona F. The Impact of Rotavirus Vaccination on Discharges for Pediatric Gastroenteritis in Italy: An Eleven Year (2009-2019) Nationwide Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1037. [PMID: 37376427 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In Italy, despite the documented positive effects of rotavirus (RV) vaccination on reducing the burden of RV disease, an updated national assessment of its impact on clinical outcomes is still lacking. This study aims to analyze the implementation of RV vaccination in Italy, evaluating its impact on discharges for acute pediatric gastroenteritis (AGE). A retrospective analysis, including hospital discharge records and data on vaccination coverage for children aged 0-71 months from 2009 to 2019, was conducted. We examined trends in hospital discharge standardized incidence before and after vaccine introduction using a negative binomial mixture model with fixed effects to evaluate the impact of universal vaccination. The percentage of vaccination coverage increased over the years, from <5% between 2009 and 2013 to 26% in 2017, reaching 70% in 2019. The standardized incidence of discharges decreased over the period from 16.6/100,000 inhabitants in 2009-2013 to 9.9/100,000 inhabitants in 2018-2019. In this phase, about 15% of the estimated hospital discharges were avoided compared with those estimated in the first phase. The implementation of RV vaccination reduced AGE incidence discharges in children aged 0-71 months. Further efforts are needed to continue monitoring the vaccination effect over time and to increase vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Isonne
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Petrone
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
- Department of Statistics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Del Manso
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Iera
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Management and Health Laboratory, Institute of Management-Department EMbeDS, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Caramia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
- Policlinico Riuniti Foggia Hospital, Hygiene Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bandini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Fadda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Grossi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Costantino
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Excellence Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pezzotti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Siddu
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Fortunato D'Ancona
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00162 Rome, Italy
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Facchin G, Bella A, Del Manso M, Rota MC, Filia A. Decline in reported measles cases in Italy in the COVID-19 era, January 2020 - July 2022: The need to prevent a resurgence upon lifting non-pharmaceutical pandemic measures. Vaccine 2023; 41:1286-1289. [PMID: 36669968 PMCID: PMC9837224 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
From January 2020 to July 2022, 120 measles cases were reported to the Italian national surveillance system, of which 105 had symptom onset in 2020, nine in 2021 and six in the first seven months of 2022. This represents a sharp decline compared to the time period immediately preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, most likely due to the non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented to prevent SARS-CoV2 transmission. Of 105 cases reported in 2020, 103 acquired the infection before a national lockdown was instituted on 9 March 2020. Overall, one quarter of cases reported at least one complication. As non-pharmaceutical pandemic measures are being eased worldwide, and considering measles seasonality, infectiousness, and its potential severity, it is important that countries ensure high vaccination coverage and close immunity gaps, to avoid risk of future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Facchin
- Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy,University of Padua, Italy
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10
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Brunelli L, Bussolaro S, Dobrina R, De Vita C, Mazzolini E, Verardi G, Degrassi M, Piazza M, Cassone A, Starec A, Ricci G, Zanchiello S, Stampalija T. Exploring the Needs and Expectations of Expectant and New Parents for an mHealth Application to Support the First 1000 Days of Life: Steps toward a Co-Design Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1227. [PMID: 36673978 PMCID: PMC9858695 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
To improve maternal and child health, it is essential to adhere to health-promoting and preventive measures. However, reliable information as well as effective tools are not easy to identify in this field. Our cross-sectional study investigated the needs and expectations of expectant and new mothers and fathers as potential primary users of a hypothetical application supporting the first 1000 days of life. Between May and August 2022, we recruited expectant and new parents by administering an 83-item 5-point Likert scale questionnaire related to the content, functionalities, and technical features of the hypothetical app. We stratified responses using sociodemographic characteristics and then performed ward hierarchical clustering. The 94 women and 69 men involved in our study generally agreed with the proposed content, but expressed low interest in certain app functionalities or features, including those related to the interaction mechanism and interactivity. Women were generally more demanding than men. Our findings, resulting from the engagement of end-users, may be useful for designers and technology providers to implement mHealth solutions that, in addition to conveying reliable information, are tailored to the needs and preferences of end-users in the first 1000 days of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Brunelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sofia Bussolaro
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Raffaella Dobrina
- Healthcare Professions Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Elena Mazzolini
- Department of Epidemiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Verardi
- Healthcare Professions Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maura Degrassi
- Healthcare Professions Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Piazza
- Healthcare Professions Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Cassone
- Healthcare Professions Department, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Tamara Stampalija
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy
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11
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CONTARINO FABIO, DI PIETRO ERMINIO, BELLA FRANCESCA, RANDAZZO CONCETTA, CONTRINO MARIALIA. Childhood immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Siracusa, Italy. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2022; 63:E513-E519. [PMID: 36891007 PMCID: PMC9986988 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.4.2587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted routine immunization activities and a decline in vaccination coverage has been documented around the world. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine childhood vaccination coverage in the Province of Siracusa, Italy. Methods We compared 2020 and 2019 vaccination coverage by age group and vaccine type. Results were considered statistically significant at a two-tailed p-value ≤ 0.05. Results Our findings show that vaccination coverage rates for mandatory and recommended vaccinations decreased in 2020 compared with the previous year (range from -1.4% to -7.8%). Anti-rotavirus vaccination increased (+4.8%, as compared to 2019), while the reductions observed for polio vaccination (hexavalent) and human papillomavirus vaccination in males were not statistically significant. The reduction did not hit the population in the same manner, with the greater decreases observed for children aged > 24 months compared to the younger (-5.7% vs -2.2%) and for booster doses compared to the primary vaccinations (-6.4% vs -2.6%). Conclusions This study found that vaccination coverage of routine childhood immunisations was negatively affected during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Province of Siracusa. It is of huge importance to put in place some catch-up programs to ensure vaccinations at the earliest of individuals who missed immunization during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- FABIO CONTARINO
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Unit, Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa
- Correspondence: Fabio Contarino, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Unit, Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa. Traversa la Pizzuta, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy. Tel.: 00393288772055 - E-mail:
| | - ERMINIO DI PIETRO
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Unit, Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa
| | - FRANCESCA BELLA
- Siracusa Cancer Registry, Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa
| | - CONCETTA RANDAZZO
- Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Unit, Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa
| | - MARIA LIA CONTRINO
- Head of Department of Public Health, Provincial Health Authority of Siracusa
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12
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Bechini A, Zanella B, Bonito B, Bonanni P, Boccalini S. Review of scientific evidence to support recommendations of the full-dose DTaP-IPV vaccination in pre-school age children in Italy. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1819-1830. [PMID: 36178008 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2130770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Two vaccine formulations are available to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis: the pediatric full-dose (DTaP-IPV) and the reduced dose formulation (dTap-IPV). Different immunization schedules are internationally recommended for the pre-school booster dose. AREAS COVERED International and Italian recommendations, scientific evidence on immunogenicity and safety of DTaP/dTap vaccines to support the full dose as a pre-school booster and Italian vaccination coverage (VC) up to adolescence. EXPERT OPINION The WHO recommends a '3+1' schedule with DTaP vaccine for primary immunization, followed by a pre-school booster with DTaP or dTap vaccine. In Italy, a '2+1' schedule, with no booster in the second year, and a pre-school booster dose are recommended with DTPa-IPV vaccines. Studies showed a non-inferior immunogenicity in dTap vaccinees in pre-school age; nevertheless, the antibody titers were usually greater in children vaccinated with DTaP, while lower frequencies of adverse events were recorded in children receiving dTap. Italian VCs for pre-school and adolescent boosters have not been satisfactory, which further reduced during the COVID-19 period. In Italy, the pre-school booster offers the last chance to receive a full dose of DTaP vaccine, thus, representing the most suitable intervention to provide lasting protection in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bechini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Beatrice Zanella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Bonito
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Boccalini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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13
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Marchetti F, Lamiani G, Bona M, Amerighi C, Ruffato B, Conforti G. Developing communication tools on rotavirus vaccination to support family paediatricians in Italy. Vaccine 2022; 40:7108-7114. [PMID: 36404428 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal rotavirus (RV) vaccination for newborns was introduced in Italy in 2018, but national vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. Effective communication between the family paediatrician (FP) and parents/caregivers is essential to promote vaccination acceptance. This project aimed to support FPs in communicating RV vaccination to parents/caregivers through the development and implementation of demonstrative videos and training modules. METHODS A working group composed of two FPs, two communication professionals, a medical expert from GSK and a clinical psychologist, was formed to establish the key scientific information to be communicated to parents/caregivers and develop the demonstrative videos. Four videos depicting four communication styles (I to IV) were developed based on the Social Styles Theory. Thirty FPs were then asked to pilot test the videos and provide feedback. In addition, two training modules with scientific information were developed to learn how to respond to parents'/caregivers' objections. RESULTS A total of 23 FPs provided feedback after using one or more videos at least five times. Twenty FPs (87.0 %) used mostly-one style, and most (60.0 %) used Style IV. Overall, the feedback was positive, as the majority of FPs (82.6 %, n = 19/23) indicated that the proposed videos were 'useful' or 'extremely useful' for introducing the RV vaccination to parents/caregivers in their actual practice. Based on this feedback, shorter versions of each video were also produced, and two training modules were developed to support FPs in responding to parental objections. Most FPs 75 % (n = 9/12) found Module 1 'very useful', and all found Module 2 'very useful' (100 %, n = 12/12). CONCLUSIONS The communication tools developed were well appreciated by the FPs and are expected to support FPs in communicating RV vaccination thereby increasing its coverage. Practicing RV communication may also prove beneficial for FPs to communicate other critical topics to parents/caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Lamiani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan-San Paolo Hospital, Via A. di Rudini, 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bona
- Choralia Comunicazione interna e formazione srl, Via Carlo Bo 11, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Amerighi
- Choralia Comunicazione interna e formazione srl, Via Carlo Bo 11, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Conforti
- Family Paediatrician, Federazione Italiana Medici Pediatri, Genoa, Italy
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14
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Ferrara P, Dallagiacoma G, Alberti F, Gentile L, Bertuccio P, Odone A. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer: A systematic review of the impact of COVID-19 on patient care. Prev Med 2022; 164:107264. [PMID: 36150446 PMCID: PMC9487163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services, including cervical cancer management, and an increased burden for this condition is expected. This systematic review synthetizes the available evidence on the impact of the pandemic on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. Searches were performed on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for relevant studies on these topics with the purpose of comparing service access and care delivery before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the methodological heterogeneity among the studies, findings were narratively discussed. Of the 715 screened titles and abstracts, 33 articles were included, corresponding to 42 reports that covered the outcomes of interest: vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) (6 reports), cancer screening (19), diagnosis (8), and treatment (8). Seven studies observed reductions in HPV vaccination uptake and coverage during COVID-19. Reports on cervical screening and cancer diagnosis activities showed a substantial impact of the pandemic on access to screening services and diagnostic procedures. All but one study that investigated cervical cancer treatment reported changes in the number of women with cervical lesions who received treatments, as well as treatment delay and interruption. With a major impact during the first wave in 2020, COVID-19 and restriction measures resulted in a substantial disruption in cervical cancer prevention and management, with declines in screening and delays in treatment. Taken together, findings from this systematic review calls for urgent policy interventions for recovering cervical cancer prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Dallagiacoma
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Alberti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Leandro Gentile
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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15
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Amerio A, Bosetti C, Gori D, Cavalieri d’Oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A, Investigators LILP. Older Adults' Access to Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the LOckdown and LifeSTyles (LOST) in Lombardia Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811271. [PMID: 36141544 PMCID: PMC9565221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionally affected older people in terms of clinical outcomes and care provision. We aimed to investigate older adults' changes in access to care during the pandemic and their determinants. We used data from a cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) conducted in autumn 2020 on a representative sample of 4400 older adults from the most populated region in Italy. Lifestyles, mental health, and access to healthcare services before and during the pandemic were collected. To identify factors associated with care delays, reduction in emergency department (ED) access, and hospitalisations, we estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable log-binomial regression models. During the pandemic, compared to the year before, 21.5% of the study population increased telephone contacts with the general practitioner (GP) and 9.6% increased self-pay visits, while 22.4% decreased GP visits, 12.3% decreased outpatient visits, 9.1% decreased diagnostic exams, 7.5% decreased ED access, and 6% decreased hospitalisations. The prevalence of care delays due to patient's decision (overall 23.8%) was higher among men (PR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.29), subjects aged 75 years or more (PR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00-1.25), and those with a higher economic status (p for trend < 0.001). Participants with comorbidities more frequently cancelled visits and reduced ED access or hospitalisations, while individuals with worsened mental health status reported a higher prevalence of care delays and ED access reductions. Access to care decreased in selected sub-groups of older adults during the pandemic with likely negative impacts on mortality and morbidity in the short and long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca’ della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16124 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bosetti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, 24121 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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HPV Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Opportunity Loss or Incremental Cost. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071133. [PMID: 35891297 PMCID: PMC9322500 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Italy was the first European country to introduce universal vaccination of adolescents, for both males and females, against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) starting in 2017 with the NIP 2017–2019′s release. However, vaccine coverage rates (VCRs) among adolescents have shown a precarious take-off since the NIP’s release, and this situation worsened due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The aim of this work is to estimate the epidemiological and economic impact of drops in VCRs due to the pandemic on those generations that missed the vaccination appointment and to discuss alternative scenarios in light of the national data. Methods: Through an analysis of the official ministerial HPV vaccination reports, a model was developed to estimate the number of 12-year-old males and females who were not vaccinated against HPV during the period 2017–2021. Based on previously published models that estimate the incidence and the economic impact of HPV-related diseases in Italy, a new model was developed to estimate the impact of the aggregated HPV VCRs achieved in Italy between 2017 and 2021. Results: Overall, in 2021, 723,375 girls and 1,011,906 boys born between 2005 and 2009 were not vaccinated against HPV in Italy (42% and 52% of these cohorts, respectively). As compared with the 95% target provided by the Italian NIP, between 505,000 and 634,000 girls will not be protected against a large number of HPV-related diseases. For boys, the number of the unvaccinated population compared to the applicable target is over 615,000 in the ‘best case scenario’ and over 749,000 in the ‘worst case scenario’. Overall, between 1.1 and 1.3 million young adolescents born between 2005 and 2009 will not be protected against HPV-related diseases over their lifetime with expected lifetime costs of non-vaccination that will be over EUR 905 million. If the 95% optimal VCRs were achieved, the model estimates a cost reduction equal to EUR 529 million, the net of the costs incurred to implement the vaccination program. Conclusion: Suboptimal vaccination coverage represents a missed opportunity, not only because of the increased burden of HPV-related diseases, but also in terms of economic loss. Thus, reaching national HPV immunization goals is a public health priority.
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