Current immunization policies for pneumococcal, meningococcal C, varicella and rotavirus vaccinations in Italy.
OBJECTIVE
As Italian Regions can implement different policies for immunizations that are not already recommended "across the board" in the country, the present study aimed to describe Regional recommendations and strategies concerning pneumococcal, meningococcal C, varicella and rotavirus vaccines.


METHODS
In July 2010, a self-administered cross-sectional questionnaire was mailed to the Regional coordinators for infectious diseases and vaccinations. Data were analysed and compared with the results of previous surveys conducted two and four years before.


RESULTS
To date, a universal vaccination programme is implemented free of charge in 18 out of 21 Regions (86%) and 17 out of 21 Regions (81%) for pneumococcal and meningococcal C vaccine, respectively. Varicella immunization policies still differ widely among Regions: seven Regions (33%) have adopted a universal free of charge programme, while in the remaining 14 varicella vaccination is offered only to at risk groups. Nine of these Regions also provide immunization to susceptible adolescents. Rotavirus vaccination has not been identified as a priority in Italy, and only 5 Regions have officially introduced it in their schedule.


CONCLUSIONS
Italian Regions are moving towards a common vaccination strategy concerning pneumococcal and meningococcal C vaccine. The debate on a common varicella and rotavirus vaccination strategy is still on-going.
Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), National Center for Epidemiology Surveillance and Health Promotion (CNESPS), Rome, Italy. valeria.alfonsi@iss.it
Valeria
V
Alfonsi
Fortunato
F
D'Ancona
Cristina
C
Giambi
Gloria
G
Nacca
Maria Cristina
MC
Rota
D000293:Adolescent; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006077:Government Agencies; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D038542:Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup C; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines; D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines