[Recall system for vaccinations in preschool children in a Local Health Unit in Rome, Italy]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Immunization

Background:

• Achieving adequate vaccination coverage in children and adolescents is a public health priority in Italy.
• Low immunization rates pose risks for vaccine-preventable diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vaccination coverage for key childhood vaccines.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a recall system in improving immunization rates among incompletely vaccinated children.

Main Methods:

• The study analyzed the Vaccination Registry of a Local Health Unit in Rome, Italy.
• Children born in 2007-2008 with incomplete vaccination schedules were identified.
• A recall system involving reminder letters and phone calls was implemented for unvaccinated children.

Main Results:

• Initial coverage for booster doses of measles, mumps, rubella, and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio vaccines was approximately 70% in 2213 children.
• The recall system successfully increased immunization in 12% of the 661 incompletely immunized children.
• Overall vaccination coverage reached approximately 82% after the intervention.

Conclusions:

• A proactive recall system significantly enhances childhood vaccination coverage.
• Targeted interventions are crucial for reaching immunization targets and protecting child populations.
• Public health strategies should incorporate reminder and recall systems to improve vaccine uptake.