Family Pediatrician and Public Health collaboration, an alliance to increase vaccination coverage: an experience with MenB vaccination in Italy

MAGLIO study: epideMiological Analysis on invasive meninGococcaL disease in Italy: fOcus on hospitalization from 2015 to 2019

This study analyzed hospital admissions for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in epidemiological and economic terms in Italy from 2015 to 2019. The volume of acute admissions for meningococcal diagnosis was analyzed in the period from 2015 to 2019. IMD admissions were identified by ICD-9-CM diagnoses. Costs were assessed using current DRG tariffs. In 2019, a total of 237 admissions for meningococcal disease were recorded in Italy. The mean age of patients was 36.1 years. Lumbar puncture was reported in only 14% of hospital discharge forms. From 2015 to 2019, there was a mean annual reduction of - 1.2% nationally for IMD hospitalizations. For 2019, the total costs for acute inpatient admissions were €2,001,093. Considering annual incidence due to IMD, a significant decrease was noted in the age group from 0 to 1 year (p = 0.010) during 2015-2019. For all years, mortality associated with meningeal syndrome was lower compared to septic shock with or without meningitis. From 2015 to 2019, hospitalizations for IMD appear to be decreasing slightly in Italy, even if mortality remains high. Favorable trends in hospitalizations for IMD were seen in the 0-1-year age group, which may be attributable to increased vaccination. Costs of hospitalizations for IMD remain high.

Protocol for a cross-sectional study on COVID-19 vaccination programmes in primary health care

BACKGROUND

An integrated primary health care approach, where primary care and public health efforts are coordinated, is a key feature of routine immunisation campaigns.

AIM

The aim of the study is to describe the approach used by a diverse group of international primary health care professionals in delivering their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programmes, as well as their perspectives on public health and primary care integration while implementing national COVID-19 vaccination programmes in their own jurisdictions.

SETTING

This is a protocol for a study, which consists of a cross-sectional online survey disseminated among a convenience sample of international primary health care professional through member-based organisations and professional networks via email and online newsletters.

METHODS

Survey development followed an iterative validation process with a formative committee developing the survey instrument based on study objectives, existing literature and best practices and a summative committee verifying and validating content.

RESULTS

Main outcome measures are vaccination implementation approach (planning, coordination service deliver), level or type of primary care involvement and degree of primary care and public health integration at community level.

CONCLUSION

Integrated health systems can lead to a greater impact in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and can ensure that we are better prepared for crises that threaten human health, not only limited to infectious pandemics but also the rising tide of chronic disease, natural and conflict-driven disasters and climate change.Contribution: This study will provide insight and key learnings for improving vaccination efforts for COVID-19 and possible future pandemics.