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Vaccine Hesitancy and Mandatory Immunizations in Emilia-Romagna Region: the case of MMR vaccine
Davide Gori1, Magda Ialonardi, Anna Odone
1University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences. davide.gori4@unibo.it.
Background And Aim:
An increase of vaccine hesitancy has spread worldwide and lead to reduction in coverage rates. The trivalent Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine has been one of the most targeted leading due to possible (but never proven) adverse effects. This resulted in an increase of measles cases. The aim of the study is to analyze the 24-months coverage rates for the MMR vaccine in Emilia-Romagna Region (RER) between 2007 and 2018 and to correlate any significant changes to index events.
Methods:
Official aggregate data on vaccination coverage at 24-month provided by the RER and the Italian Ministry of health were analyzed and discussed.
Results:
From 2012 to 2015 a significant reduction in vaccination rates has been registered. In the following years an increase was recorded temporarily related to national and regional laws.
Conclusion:
The mandatory vaccination strategies seem to be in the short period effective in RER to counteract the growing population neegative attitudes towards vaccination and mitigate vaccine hesitancy.
Insights
Vaccine hesitancy led to lower Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage. Mandatory vaccination strategies in Emilia-Romagna temporarily reversed this trend, increasing MMR vaccine rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization Practices
Background:
- Global rise in vaccine hesitancy impacting immunization coverage rates.
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine targeted due to unproven adverse effect concerns.
- Increased measles incidence linked to reduced MMR vaccination coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze 24-month MMR vaccine coverage rates in Emilia-Romagna Region (RER) from 2007-2018.
- Correlate changes in coverage rates with significant index events.
- Evaluate the impact of public health policies on vaccination trends.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of official aggregate vaccination coverage data at 24 months.
- Utilized data from RER and the Italian Ministry of Health.
- Longitudinal study design examining trends over an 11-year period.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in MMR vaccination rates observed between 2012 and 2015.
- Temporary increase in vaccination rates recorded in subsequent years.
- Correlation identified between policy implementation and coverage rate changes.
Conclusions:
- Mandatory vaccination strategies demonstrated short-term effectiveness in RER.
- Policies helped counteract negative public attitudes towards vaccination.
- Mitigation of vaccine hesitancy and improved MMR vaccine coverage achieved.
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