The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy
COVID-19 has led to disruption in routine immunization programs around the globe. In Italy, we assessed the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on immunization activities using a questionnaire to explore reasons for decrease in vaccination and measures implemented. Sixteen Regional Health Services over 21 a...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Athens Institute for Education and Research
2021-03-01
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| Series: | Athens Journal of Health and Medical Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.athensjournals.gr/health/2021-8-1-3-Parodi.pdf |
| _version_ | 1797957489065459712 |
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| author | Patrizia Parodi Francesco Maraglino Anna Caraglia |
| author_facet | Patrizia Parodi Francesco Maraglino Anna Caraglia |
| author_sort | Patrizia Parodi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | COVID-19 has led to disruption in routine immunization programs around the globe. In Italy, we assessed the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on immunization activities using a questionnaire to explore reasons for decrease in vaccination and measures implemented. Sixteen Regional Health Services over 21 answered (76.1%). A decrease in immunization activities was mostly recorded after the notification of the first local cases in Italy and during the peak of the epidemic. About one-fourth (28%) of immunization centres suspended their activities and more than 33% of health workers in immunization centres were shifted to the COVID-19 response. Specific training on COVID-19 was generally reported. Children above 1 year of age until adolescence were the most affected by disruption of immunization services followed by adults indicating that primary series vaccination were prioritized. Several measures were implemented, such as immunization only under appointment, give priority to some immunization/ subjects and extend the hours of work to avoid overcrowding; telephone call to families; developing a list of children who have missed their vaccine doses; preparing a targeted action plan to ensure rapid catch up of children who are not up to date with their vaccination. Information and awareness raising activities were also indicated, even if in a lesser extent. The results of the survey were used to collect and disseminate best practices in order to minimizing the effect of the pandemic on vaccine preventable diseases. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T00:04:51Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d70ac3adb6404797aa8bf050456c673b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2653-9411 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T00:04:51Z |
| publishDate | 2021-03-01 |
| publisher | Athens Institute for Education and Research |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Athens Journal of Health and Medical Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-d70ac3adb6404797aa8bf050456c673b2023-01-09T13:23:23ZengAthens Institute for Education and ResearchAthens Journal of Health and Medical Sciences2653-94112021-03-0181536610.30958/ajhms.8-1-3The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy Patrizia Parodi0Francesco Maraglino1Anna Caraglia2Public Health Officer, Ministry of Health, ItalyDirector, Office 5 DG Prevention, Ministry of Health, ItalyPublic Health Officer, Ministry of Health, ItalyCOVID-19 has led to disruption in routine immunization programs around the globe. In Italy, we assessed the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on immunization activities using a questionnaire to explore reasons for decrease in vaccination and measures implemented. Sixteen Regional Health Services over 21 answered (76.1%). A decrease in immunization activities was mostly recorded after the notification of the first local cases in Italy and during the peak of the epidemic. About one-fourth (28%) of immunization centres suspended their activities and more than 33% of health workers in immunization centres were shifted to the COVID-19 response. Specific training on COVID-19 was generally reported. Children above 1 year of age until adolescence were the most affected by disruption of immunization services followed by adults indicating that primary series vaccination were prioritized. Several measures were implemented, such as immunization only under appointment, give priority to some immunization/ subjects and extend the hours of work to avoid overcrowding; telephone call to families; developing a list of children who have missed their vaccine doses; preparing a targeted action plan to ensure rapid catch up of children who are not up to date with their vaccination. Information and awareness raising activities were also indicated, even if in a lesser extent. The results of the survey were used to collect and disseminate best practices in order to minimizing the effect of the pandemic on vaccine preventable diseases.https://www.athensjournals.gr/health/2021-8-1-3-Parodi.pdfcovid-19routine immunizationimmunization catch-up activitiesvaccination servicesitaly |
| spellingShingle | Patrizia Parodi Francesco Maraglino Anna Caraglia The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy Athens Journal of Health and Medical Sciences covid-19 routine immunization immunization catch-up activities vaccination services italy |
| title | The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy |
| title_full | The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy |
| title_fullStr | The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy |
| title_short | The Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Immunization Activities in Italy |
| title_sort | impact of covid 19 epidemic on immunization activities in italy |
| topic | covid-19 routine immunization immunization catch-up activities vaccination services italy |
| url | https://www.athensjournals.gr/health/2021-8-1-3-Parodi.pdf |
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