Evaluating Vaccination Coverage and Willingness to Participate in Immunization Programs Among People Living in...

People living in prison are at increased risk of communicable diseases due to overcrowding and suboptimal living conditions. This study aimed to estimate the uptake of recommended vaccinations among people living in prison, investigate their willingness to be vaccinated during detention, and identify factors influencing both uptake and willingness.

This cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2023 to July 2024 in four penitentiary institutions in Southern Italy.

Of the 1137 participants, 13.8% self-reported having received at least one vaccination schedule during their current detention. Those with chronic disease, who had received information about vaccines in prison, and with a longer detention were significantly more likely to have received a vaccination. Conversely, women, those not-at-risk from alcohol consumption, and those having at least one child were significantly less likely to have received at least one vaccination schedule in prison. Less than half of the participants (41.9%) expressed willingness to receive recommended vaccinations if offered in prison. Willingness was significantly higher in subjects of Italian nationality and with a longer detention. Moreover, heterosexuals and those who were married or cohabitant were significantly less willing to receive at least one vaccination schedule in prison.

Implementing routine proactive vaccination activities could be effective, and should focus on both standard adult vaccinations and immunizations for individuals with specific risk conditions.