[Vaccinal coverage for measles and pertussis: a study in 7 regions of Italy]

During the year 1993 a series of surveys aimed to estimate the immunization coverage against measles and pertussis have been carried out in seven Italian regions and two large towns (Milan and Naples). Mothers of children aged between 12 and 23 months, randomly selected from the list of newborns, by using the EPI cluster sampling, have been interviewed in order to determine the reasons for absent or incomplete vaccinations. The observed coverage for pertussis ranges between 8% in the Molise region and 71% in the town of Milan; coverage for measles ranges between 9% in the town of Naples and 52% in the region Lombardy. The most commonly reported reason for not-vaccinating for pertussis has been the negative advise given by the caring physician. Immunization against measles has often not been administered because of relative contraindications and the negative advise by the physicians. The coverage for the two non-compulsory vaccinations are low compared to compulsory vaccinations and to the immunization level reported for most European countries, pointing out that further health education is needed for improving the up-take of such voluntary vaccinations.