Vaccinating in Different Settings: Best Practices from Italian Regions.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunization Programs
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Vaccination program success relies on logistics, social, and structural factors.
• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic prompted diverse vaccine administration strategies.
• Analyzing regional approaches is crucial for optimizing vaccine delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze varied vaccine administration approaches in Italian regions post-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
• To identify and examine innovative vaccination strategies implemented by different actors.
• To assess the impact of alternative vaccine providers and settings on coverage.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative review of scientific literature and grey literature.
• Direct contact with regional health authorities and local health departments.
• Identification and detailed examination of five distinct regional vaccination strategies.

Main Results:

• Veneto: Increased herpes zoster vaccination coverage (44.4% to 54.9%) via prevention departments.
• Tuscany: Pediatricians administered 64% of childhood vaccines.
• Liguria: Pharmacies delivered 70.1% of COVID-19 vaccines; school-based HPV vaccination in Taranto exceeded averages.
• Hospitals prioritized healthcare workers and vulnerable populations.

Conclusions:

• Positive outcomes encourage adoption of innovative practices beyond traditional methods.
• Regional autonomy facilitated localized approaches for optimized vaccine distribution.
• These strategies offer new perspectives for enhancing vaccine coverage in resource-limited settings.