Influenza vaccination coverage in pediatric population in Italy: an analysis of recent trends

Abstract

Background Influenza is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and exacerbation of extant chronic disease worldwide. Influenza vaccination is thus fundamental to reduce the burden of disease. In this study, we describe the trend of influenza vaccination coverage in the seasons 2010/11–2020/21 among children aged < 2, 2–4 and 5–8 in Italy. Methods We analyzed the trend of influenza vaccination coverage in the pediatric population in Italy from the 2010/11 to the 2020/21 season at national and regional level and observed the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the pediatric population between 2010/11 and 2020/21. Results In the period 2010/11–2019/20 the highest value of coverage (4.5%) was reached in the age group 2–4 and 5–8 (season 2010/11 and 2011/12, respectively), while the lowest belonged to the < 2 group (1.1% in the season 2015/16). In the season 2020/2021 all the age groups reported a substantial increase of coverage compared with the previous season. The highest value (19.0%) was reported in the age group 2–4, followed by the group 5–8 and < 2 (13.1 and 9.2%, respectively). Considering the rates of annual ILI cases, the highest value for the 0–4 age group was 18.5% in the 2011/12 season; for the 5–14 age group, the highest value was 27.7% in the 2010/11 season. Conclusions Over the past 11 years pediatric influenza vaccination coverage in Italy has been low, with relevant differences across regions and seasons, albeit a general increase in coverage has been observed in the 2020/21 season. Universal influenza vaccination for children should be considered as a priority for the high incidence in this age group. Further research is needed to improve knowledge and comparability of coverage rates, and to identify the best practices for organizational models of delivery which can support the improvement of trends, the acceptability and accessibility by parents and awareness in stakeholders and decision makers.

Epidemiology and Burden of Influenza in Children 0–14 Years Over Ten Consecutive Seasons in Italy

“…17–20 Vaccination rates in this study population were low, but another recent study found that vaccination rates in Italy more than doubled (reaching 19% for children 2–4 years of age) during the 2020–2021 season, when Italian authorities authorized extended free seasonal influenza vaccination to healthy children 6 months to 6 years old. 11 There are multiple factors that can impact influenza vaccine coverage, including providing free vaccines, perception of vaccine effectiveness or the severity of influenza, and recommendations from healthcare workers. 21 The most recent systematic assessment of influenza vaccine coverage, recommendations and reimbursement in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), was conducted in 2018 and found that only 6 of 30 EU/EEA member states recommended vaccination for children and only 3 paid for both the vaccine and its administration.…”

“… 8 , 9 However, vaccine coverage for children has been historically low in Europe. 10 , 11 Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, vaccination rates in Italy were <5% for children ≤8 years of age, and although coverage increased significantly after free influenza vaccines for this age group were authorized, >80% of Italian children were not vaccinated against influenza in 2020–2021. 11 …”

Upaya Peningkatan Imunitas Anak Karyawan Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang dengan Vaksinasi Influenza

“…Hal ini menyebabkan anak-anak yang berusia lebih rendah dari itu tidak memiliki kekebalan terhadap virus SARS-CoV-2. Oleh karena itu, anak-anak berusia kurang dari 6 tahun sangat perlu diberi vaksinasi Influenza (Ambrosio et al, 2022). Upaya vaksinasi Influenza pada anak dapat menjadi langkah tidak langsung untuk melindungi golongan masyarakat yang rentan semisal para lansia (Tanner, Dorey, & Clark, 2021).…”

Vaccination Open Day: A Cross-Sectional Study on the 2023 Experience in Lombardy Region, Italy

“…A high vaccination coverage rate (VCR) is crucial in these populations, as highlighted by international health organizations [ 27 ]. However, several studies conducted worldwide have shown significantly lower levels [ 4 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. To achieve adequate coverage in Italy [ 39 ], the influenza vaccine could be administered at hospitals or tertiary vaccination centers, as well as in general practitioners’ (GP) studies and pharmacies [ 40 , 41 ].…”