Post COVID-19 vaccination coverage recovery model

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Immunization Programs

Background:

• Vaccination is vital for infectious disease prevention, with eradication of diseases like smallpox as a success.
• Italy has experienced declining vaccination coverage since 2015, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with few regions meeting the 95% target.
• This study focuses on a vaccination recovery model implemented by the Local Health Department "Napoli 3 Sud" in Campania.

Discussion:

• The "Napoli 3 Sud" Local Health Department implemented a vaccination recovery model to address declining immunization rates.
• Data from January 2019 to December 2021 for 13 districts were analyzed using the "GE.VA" Regional Vaccine Registry and Sinfonia Vaccini Soresa platform.
• The study evaluated vaccination coverage for newborns across various vaccine-preventable diseases.

Key Insights:

• The vaccination recovery model achieved significant improvements: 96.29% for Pneumococcal, 84.78% for Meningococcal, 94.3% for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), and 91.4% for chickenpox.
• The collaborative approach between family pediatricians and the Local Health Department was a critical factor in this success.
• The "GE.VA" regional computerized platform played a crucial role in facilitating data management and program evaluation.

Outlook:

• The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated strategies involving healthcare providers and digital tools in enhancing vaccination coverage.
• This model offers a scalable solution for other regions facing similar challenges in maintaining immunization rates.
• Continued collaboration and leveraging technology are essential for sustained public health gains through vaccination programs.