The Italian policy of mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for healthcare workers: Analysis of the policy processes and preliminary outcomes

Vicentini, Costanza; Garzaro, Giacomo; Cornio, Alessandro Roberto; Bosio, Davide; Bergamaschi, Enrico; Parravicini, Giovanna Pacchiana; Zotti, Carla Maria

doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.11.006

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Both regions share certain geographical and socioeconomic characteristics, yet they exhibit distinct vaccine uptake patterns [ 11 ]. Comparative data illustrate that South Tyrol’s vaccination rates, apparently influenced by initiatives like the “Green Pass” and mandatory vaccinations [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ], significantly diverge from those in neighboring Trentino and the national average, reflecting its unique public health landscape. In South Tyrol, the German-speaking [ 13 ], predominantly rural [ 15 ], population tends to exhibit lower rates of acceptance than Italian speakers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Mistrust during Pandemic Decline: Findings from 2021 and 2023 Cross-Sectional Surveys in Northern Italy

Barbieri,

Wiedermann,

Lombardo

et al. 2024

Vaccines

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This study examines vaccine agreements in South Tyrol, Italy, within distinct socio-cultural and linguistic contexts. Using data from the 2021 and 2023 “COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring” extended surveys, we assessed changes in attitudes towards COVID-19 and other vaccinations during the second and final years of the pandemic. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors such as trust in institutions, language groups, and the use of complementary and alternative medicine. The representativeness of the study is supported by good participation rates, ensuring a comprehensive view of attitudes towards vaccination in the region. The results show a shift in public agreement with the national vaccination plan to 64% by 2023, from a rate of about 73% agreement in 2021 (p < 0.001). A significant decrease in trust in health authorities and a negative correlation with complementary and alternative medicine consultations were observed. The results highlight the complex nature of vaccine hesitancy in diverse regions such as South Tyrol and underline the need for targeted communication strategies and trust-building initiatives to effectively reduce hesitancy. This study provides critical insights for the formulation of public health strategies in diverse sociocultural settings.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Mistrust during Pandemic Decline: Findings from 2021 and 2023 Cross-Sectional Surveys in Northern Italy

Barbieri,

Wiedermann,

Lombardo

et al. 2024

Vaccines

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Comparably, COVID-19 VC at our hospital UHC surpassed 90%. An analysis following the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for HCW in Italy suggests an increase in vaccine uptake lowering COVID-19 infection rates among HCW [ 39 ]. Potentially, COVID-19 vaccine mandates across Europe could pave the way for future influenza vaccine mandates for HCW such as possible influenza “vaccinate-or-mask” policies [ 36 , 40 , 41 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increasing influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers: analysis of an intensified on-site vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic

et al. 2023

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Purpose Influenza infections have substantial impact on healthcare institutions. While vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against influenza infection, vaccination coverage in healthcare workers is low. The study investigates the impact of an intensified influenza vaccination campaign in a maximum-care hospital on influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/21. Methods Building on findings from our previously published review Schumacher et al. (Infection 49(3): 387, 2021), an intensified influenza vaccination campaign comprising a mobile vaccination team providing on-site vaccination and vaccination at a recurring central vaccination site in addition to promotional measures was performed and analysed regarding vaccination coverage. A survey querying vaccination motivation was performed. Campaign strategies and vaccination coverage of influenza seasons between 2017/18 and 2019/20 were analysed. Results The influenza vaccination campaign 2020/21 led to a significant 2.4-fold increase yielding an overall vaccination coverage of 40% among healthcare workers. A significant increase in vaccination coverage was observed across all professional fields; especially among nurses, a 2.7-fold increase, reaching a vaccination coverage of 48%, was observed. The COVID-19 pandemic positively influenced vaccination decision in 72% of first time ever or first time in over ten years influenza vaccinees. Vaccination coverage during prior vaccination campaigns focusing on educational measures did not exceed 17%. Conclusion A mobile vaccination team providing on-site vaccination and vaccinations at a central vaccination site in addition to promotional measures can be implemented to increase influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers. Our concept can inform influenza and other vaccination campaigns for healthcare workers.

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“…Some recognised downsides of a mandate are staff shortages due to termination and concern that a mandate might disproportionally affect HCWs based on sociodemographic characteristics. 8 9 …”

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confidence: 99%

COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers: an achievable quality improvement target

et al. 2023

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There is a need to optimize SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) to protect staff and patients from healthcare-associated COVID-19 infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations implemented vaccine mandates for HCWs. Whether or not a traditional quality improvement approach can achieve high-rates of COVID-19 vaccination is not known. Our organization undertook iterative changes that focused on the barriers to vaccine uptake. These barriers were identified through huddles, and addressed through extensive peer outreach, with a focus on access and issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion. The outreach interventions were informed by real-time data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in our organization. The vaccine rate reached 92.3% by 6 December 2021 with minimal differences in vaccine uptake by professional role, clinical department, facility or whether the staff had a patient facing role. Improving vaccine uptake should be a quality improvement target in healthcare organizations and our experience shows that high vaccine rates are achievable through concerted efforts targeting specific barriers to vaccine confidence.

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The Italian policy of mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for healthcare workers: Analysis of the policy processes and preliminary outcomes

Cited by 4 publications

References 28 publications

Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Mistrust during Pandemic Decline: Findings from 2021 and 2023 Cross-Sectional Surveys in Northern Italy

Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Mistrust during Pandemic Decline: Findings from 2021 and 2023 Cross-Sectional Surveys in Northern Italy

Increasing influenza vaccination coverage in healthcare workers: analysis of an intensified on-site vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers: an achievable quality improvement target

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