Rocco Russo1, Elena Bozzola2, Paolo Palma3,4, Giovanni Corsello5, Alberto Villani6. 1. Maternity and Pediatrics Services, Local Health Units, Benevento - The Italian Pediatric Society, Rome, Italy. 2. Pediatric and Infectious Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome-The Italian Pediatric Society, Rome, Italy. elena.bozzola@opbg.net. 3. Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy. 4. Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome- The Italian Pediatric Society, Rome, Italy. 5. Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, Palermo -The Italian Pediatric Society, Rome, Italy. 6. Pediatric and Infectious Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome-The Italian Pediatric Society, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for disrupting routine immunization activities all over the world. Aim of the study was to investigate the reduced adherence to the national children vaccination schedule during the lockdown period in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through social channels, the Italian Pediatric Society conducted a survey among Italian families on children vaccination during lockdown period. RESULTS: In the study period, 1474 responders were collected. More than one third (34%) of them skipped the vaccine appointment as they were afraid of SARS-CoV-2-virus (44%), vaccination services postponed the appointment (42%) or was closed to public (13%). DISCUSSION: Reduction in routine immunization coverage may represent a serious life-threating problem for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. CONCLUSIONS: Information on national and local preventive measures including physical distancing, handwashing, and proper coughing/sneezing hygiene should be spread among families in order to contrast vaccine hesitancy and maintain adequate coverage levels during COVID19 pandemic period.
BACKGROUND:COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for disrupting routine immunization activities all over the world. Aim of the study was to investigate the reduced adherence to the national children vaccination schedule during the lockdown period in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through social channels, the Italian Pediatric Society conducted a survey among Italian families on children vaccination during lockdown period. RESULTS: In the study period, 1474 responders were collected. More than one third (34%) of them skipped the vaccine appointment as they were afraid of SARS-CoV-2-virus (44%), vaccination services postponed the appointment (42%) or was closed to public (13%). DISCUSSION: Reduction in routine immunization coverage may represent a serious life-threating problem for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. CONCLUSIONS: Information on national and local preventive measures including physical distancing, handwashing, and proper coughing/sneezing hygiene should be spread among families in order to contrast vaccine hesitancy and maintain adequate coverage levels during COVID19 pandemic period.
Authors: Francesco Gesualdo; Lorenza Parisi; Ileana Croci; Francesca Comunello; Andrea Parente; Luisa Russo; Ilaria Campagna; Barbara Lanfranchi; Maria Cristina Rota; Antonietta Filia; Alberto Eugenio Tozzi; Caterina Rizzo Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-05-18
Authors: Elena Bozzola; Giulia Spina; Maria Rosaria Marchili; Carla Brusco; Stefano Guolo; Chiara Rossetti; Giuseppe Logrieco; Francesca Pignatelli; Massimiliano Raponi; Alberto Villani Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-17 Impact factor: 3.390