Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
Current immunization policies for pneumococcal, meningococcal C, varicella and rotavirus vaccinations in Italy
Valeria Alfonsi1, Fortunato D'Ancona, Cristina Giambi
1Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), National Center for Epidemiology Surveillance and Health Promotion (CNESPS), Rome, Italy. valeria.alfonsi@iss.it
Objectives:
As Italian Regions can implement different policies for immunizations that are not already recommended "across the board" in the country, the present study aimed to describe Regional recommendations and strategies concerning pneumococcal, meningococcal C, varicella and rotavirus vaccines.
Methods:
In July 2010, a self-administered cross-sectional questionnaire was mailed to the Regional coordinators for infectious diseases and vaccinations. Data were analysed and compared with the results of previous surveys conducted two and four years before.
Results:
To date, a universal vaccination programme is implemented free of charge in 18 out of 21 Regions (86%) and 17 out of 21 Regions (81%) for pneumococcal and meningococcal C vaccine, respectively. Varicella immunization policies still differ widely among Regions: seven Regions (33%) have adopted a universal free of charge programme, while in the remaining 14 varicella vaccination is offered only to at risk groups. Nine of these Regions also provide immunization to susceptible adolescents. Rotavirus vaccination has not been identified as a priority in Italy, and only 5 Regions have officially introduced it in their schedule.
Conclusions:
Italian Regions are moving towards a common vaccination strategy concerning pneumococcal and meningococcal C vaccine. The debate on a common varicella and rotavirus vaccination strategy is still on-going.
More Related Videos
16:56Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
Published on: August 30, 2014
13:47Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens
Published on: May 19, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Poliomyelitis
Vaccinations
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Vaccines
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Smallpox