Italy's national healthcare
system will widen the number of vaccines offered to different
age groups across the country after the conference of Italian
regions on Thursday gave unanimous approval to the national
vaccines plan for the 2017-19 period.
The new plan offers more vaccines as well as a number of free
options not included in the previous plan.
It also evens out the national offer: a number of vaccines
previously provided for free only by a few regions will be now
offered across the country.
Following are details of the new plan, divided by age group.
CHILDREN: in the first year of life, free vaccination will be
provided against meningitis B, which can be lethal, and
rotavirus, which causes very serious gastroenteritis that can
have serious consequences in young children. Vaccines against
meningitis B (which is currently not free in most regions), will
be provided with the first dose at three months and subsequent
doses to follow.
In the second year of life, vaccination against chickenpox
will be provided for free (it is currently free only in eight
regions) as the disease can in some cases have complications and
require hospitalization. The vaccination shot is given at 13-15
months together with the vaccine against the measles, rubella
and the mumps, with additional doses to follow.
ADOLESCENTS: the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (Hpv), which is
today free for teens, will be extended to males in order to
eliminate the virus which is the most frequent cause of cancer
at the cervix and mouth.
Teens will also be offered the ACWY vaccine that protects
against four types of meningitis - A, C, W and Y.
SENIORS: the Herpes Zoster vaccine has been introduces for
free.
It has been estimated to lower by 65% neuralgia cases, one of
the most frequent and debilitating consequences of the herpes.
The pneumococcal vaccine will also be offered by all regions.
It protects against pneumonia and meningitis.
The plan also provides for "renewed efforts" to promote flu
shots for citizens over 65 years of age.
The new vaccines are in addition to those already offered:
the vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis, polio, hepatitis b,
tetanus, haemophilus influenza, as well as the vaccine against
the measles, mumps and rubella and meningitis C.
The plan also sets as a target to maintain the country polio
free, eliminate cases of measles and rubella and promote
vaccination campaigns.
Italy's Higher Health Institute (ISS) has warned that Italy
has registered a significant decline in vaccination coverage
over the past few years with vaccination rates below 95% for
polio, tetanus, dyphtheria and hepatitis B.
The percentage has dropped further for vaccinations of
measles, mumps and German measles, with coverage as low as 86%,
the ISS has said.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
