[Survey on Vaccination Strategies Used in Different Italian Regions, for the 7-valent Conjugate Pneumococcal, Meningococcal C and Varicella Vaccines]

A survey was performed to obtain information regarding regional vaccination strategies in Italy, for 7-valent conjugate pneumococcal, meningococcal C and varicella vaccines. A questionnaire was sent to the person in charge of infectious disease control and vaccination activities in each of the 21 regions. All 21 regions replied to the questionnaire. Twenty regions offer pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine free only to high-risk children, while 9 of these regions offer it to all newborns as well. Seventeen regions offer meningococcal C vaccine only to high-risk individuals while 9 regions offer it to all newborns. All 19 regions that have deliberated on varicella vaccination offer it to high-risk subjects only while 3 offer it also to all newborns. Local health authorities were found to widely adhere to regional deliberations regarding these vaccinations. Vaccination strategies for the three vaccines are not uniform across Italy. Additional efforts are required to ensure that high-risk subjects in all regions receive these vaccines and to homogenize immunization strategies aimed at other target groups. Monitoring of coverage levels and disease surveillance will allow evaluation of the impact of vaccination strategies implemented in the different regions.