title: Are we ready to abrogate compulsory vaccinations for children?
abstract: In Italy, vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and hepatitis B is compulsory for infants countrywide, except in Veneto region where since 2007 Health Authorities have experimented the suspension of mandatory vaccination. In light of the recent discussion on the potential abrogation in other regions, we explored the opinion of family pediatricians who play a crucial role in promoting immunization programmes in Italy. In November 2009, we interviewed by phone the family pediatricians working in Puglia region using a standardised, ad hoc and piloted questionnaire. Of the 596 contacted, 502 (84.2%) completed the questionnaire (54% female, median age = 52 y). Among the respondents, 72 (14.3%) would agree on the hypothesis of abrogation. This judgment was associated with having a good opinion on the level of awareness of the importance of vaccinations in the general public (OR = 6.6; 95% CI: 3.6-12.1) and having the perception of adequate organization of Vaccination Services in supporting the abrogation (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.7-5.9). Family pediatricians appeared really sceptical about the abrogation of compulsory vaccination that could be hypothesized only increasing public awareness, communication skills and capability of Vaccination Services personnel in offering vaccinations.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences; University of Foggia; Foggia, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Martinelli
authors.forename: Silvio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tafuri
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fortunato
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cozza
authors.forename: Cinzia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Germinario
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prato
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000379:methods*; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D037141:Mandatory Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines
keywords: compulsory immunization; ethics; family pediatricians; vaccination