1887
  1. Home
  2. Eurosurveillance
  3. Volume 30, Issue 39, 02/Oct/2025
  4. Article
Review Open Access
Like 0
Download

2025 theme: Vaccines

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Rotavirus is a main gastroenteritis cause in children ≤ 5 years old. In 2017, when few Italian regions had rotavirus vaccination programmes, rotavirus vaccines were included in the National Plan for Preventive Vaccination (PNPV). Although all Italian regions follow the PNPV, they each decide how to implement it, contributing to rotavirus vaccination coverage differences across the country.

AIM

The objective was to assess rotavirus vaccination national/regional policies in Italy and, between 2016 and 2023, vaccination coverage trends at national and regional level.

METHODS

Scientific and grey literature was systematically reviewed for reports on Italian national/regional policies or programmes concerning rotavirus vaccination. Their key features and strategies to increase vaccination coverage were recorded. Vaccination coverage data originating from the Ministry of Health, were analysed descriptively, or with linear regression, for national and regional trends.

RESULTS

Among 418 policy/programme reports identified, 25 were included. Between 2013 and 2015, Sicilia, Calabria and Puglia had already initiated universal vaccination programmes. The PNPV 2017–19 standardised regions’ offer of rotavirus vaccination. Between 2016 and 2023, vaccination coverage in Italy significantly increased (p = 0.0005) from 10.5% to 70.76%, with a 140% rise in 2019−20. Regional coverage disparities existed. Throughout 2016–23, most central Italian regions had annual coverages below national values. Bolzano annual coverage was consistently < 50%, while in Veneto, coverage reached 85.10% in 2021. In 2023, five regions had > 80% coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

While rotavirus vaccination coverage improved in Italy in 2016−23, regional disparities persist. Addressing these requires overcoming logistical and societal challenges, as well as harmonised policies.

© Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.39.2500026
2025-10-02
2026-04-13
/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.39.2500026
Loading
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/deliver/fulltext/eurosurveillance/30/39/eurosurv-30-39-6.html?itemId=/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.39.2500026&mimeType=html&fmt=ahah

References

  1. World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO). Rotavirus infections. Manila: WPRO. [Accessed 16 Dec 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/health-topics/rotavirus-infections#tab=tab_1
  2. Verberk JDM, van Dongen JAP, van de Kassteele J, Andrews NJ, van Gaalen RD, Hahné SJM, et al. Impact analysis of rotavirus vaccination in various geographic regions in Western Europe. Vaccine. 2021;39(45):6671-81.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.09.059  PMID: 34635375 
  3. Parashar UD, Nelson EAS, Kang G. Diagnosis, management, and prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children. BMJ. 2013;347(dec30 1):f7204.  https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f7204  PMID: 24379214 
  4. Troeger C, Khalil IA, Rao PC, Cao S, Blacker BF, Ahmed T, et al. Rotavirus Vaccination and the Global Burden of Rotavirus Diarrhea Among Children Younger Than 5 Years. JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(10):958-65.  https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.1960  PMID: 30105384 
  5. GBD 2015 Mortality and Causes of Death Collaborators. Global, regional, and national life expectancy, all-cause mortality, and cause-specific mortality for 249 causes of death, 1980-2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. Lancet. 2016;388(10053):1459-544.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31012-1  PMID: 27733281 
  6. Troeger C, Khalil IA, Rao PC, Cao S, Blacker BF, Ahmed T, et al. Rotavirus Vaccination and the Global Burden of Rotavirus Diarrhea Among Children Younger Than 5 Years. JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(10):958-65.  https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.1960  PMID: 30105384 
  7. Burnett E, Parashar UD, Tate JE. Global Impact of Rotavirus Vaccination on Diarrhea Hospitalizations and Deaths Among Children <5 Years Old: 2006-2019. J Infect Dis. 2020;222(10):1731-9.  https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiaa081  PMID: 32095831 
  8. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). ECDC Expert opinion on rotavirus vaccination in infancy. Stockholm: ECDC; 2017. [Accessed 12 May 2025]. Available from: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/rotavirus-vaccination-expert%20opinion-september-2017.pdf
  9. Soriano-Gabarró M, Mrukowicz J, Vesikari T, Verstraeten T. Burden of rotavirus disease in European Union countries. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2006;25(1) Suppl;S7-11.  https://doi.org/10.1097/01.inf.0000197622.98559.01  PMID: 16397431 
  10. Bencina G, Costantino C, Mameli C, Sabale U, Murtagh J, Newman R, et al. Real-world impact of rotavirus vaccination in European healthcare settings: a systematic literature review. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2022;21(8):1121-36.  https://doi.org/10.1080/14760584.2022.2075851  PMID: 35708263 
  11. Aliabadi N, Antoni S, Mwenda JM, Weldegebriel G, Biey JNM, Cheikh D, et al. Global impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction on rotavirus hospitalisations among children under 5 years of age, 2008-16: findings from the Global Rotavirus Surveillance Network. Lancet Glob Health. 2019;7(7):e893-903.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(19)30207-4  PMID: 31200889 
  12. Giaquinto C, Van Damme P, Huet F, Gothefors L, Maxwell M, Todd P, et al. , REVEAL Study Group. Clinical consequences of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis in Europe, 2004-2005: the REVEAL study. J Infect Dis. 2007;195(s1) Suppl 1;S26-35.  https://doi.org/10.1086/516717  PMID: 17387649 
  13. Mattei A, Sbarbati M, Fiasca F, Angelone AM, Mazzei MC, di Orio F. Temporal trends in hospitalization for rotavirus gastroenteritis: A nationwide study in Italy, 2005-2012. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2016;12(2):534-9.  https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2015.1081726  PMID: 26337458 
  14. Isonne C, Petrone D, Del Manso M, Iera J, Caramia A, Bandini L, et al. The Impact of Rotavirus Vaccination on Discharges for Pediatric Gastroenteritis in Italy: An Eleven Year (2009-2019) Nationwide Analysis. Vaccines (Basel). 2023;11(6):1037.  https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061037  PMID: 37376427 
  15. Giaquinto C, Van Damme P, Huet F, Gothefors L, Van der Wielen M, REVEAL Study Group. Costs of community-acquired pediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis in 7 European countries: the REVEAL Study. J Infect Dis. 2007;195(s1) Suppl 1;S36-44.  https://doi.org/10.1086/516716  PMID: 17539193 
  16. Parez N, Giaquinto C, Du Roure C, Martinon-Torres F, Spoulou V, Van Damme P, et al. Rotavirus vaccination in Europe: drivers and barriers. Lancet Infect Dis. 2014;14(5):416-25.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(14)70035-0  PMID: 24758998 
  17. Glass RI, Tate JE, Jiang B, Parashar U. The Rotavirus Vaccine Story: From Discovery to the Eventual Control of Rotavirus Disease. J Infect Dis. 2021;224(12) Suppl 4;S331-42.  https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiaa598  PMID: 34590142 
  18. Ministero della Salute. Conversione in legge, con modificazioni, del decreto-legge 7 giugno 2017, n. 73, recante disposizioni urgenti in materia di prevenzione vaccinale. (17G00132) 2017. [Conversion into law, with amendments, of Legislative Decree No. 73 of 7 June 2017, containing urgent provisions on vaccination prevention. (17G00132) 2017]. Rome: Ministero della Salute. [Accessed 1 Jul 2021]. Italian. Available from: http://www.trovanorme.salute.gov.it/norme/dettaglioAtto?id=60201
  19. Farina S, Maio A, Gualano MR, Ricciardi W, Villani L. Childhood Mandatory Vaccinations: Current Situation in European Countries and Changes Occurred from 2014 to 2024. Vaccines (Basel). 2024;12(11):1296.  https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12111296  PMID: 39591198 
  20. Di Martino G, Cedrone F, D’Addezio M, Odio C, Di Giovanni P, Trebbi E, et al. Incidence of Rotavirus-Related Hospitalizations in an Italian Southern Region from 2015 to 2021. Diseases. 2024;12(1):26.  https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12010026  PMID: 38248377 
  21. Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). Piano nazionale di prevenzione vaccinale (PNPV) 2023-2025. [National Vaccination Prevention Plan (PNPV) 2023-2025]. Rome: ISS. [Accessed 16 Dec 2024]. Italian. Available from: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/vaccini/piano-nazionale-vaccini-2023-2025
  22. Garritty C, Gartlehner G, Nussbaumer-Streit B, King VJ, Hamel C, Kamel C, et al. Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers evidence-informed guidance to conduct rapid reviews. J Clin Epidemiol. 2021;130:13-22.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.10.007  PMID: 33068715 
  23. Farina S, Russo L, Maio A, Ricciardi W, Villani L, Zaino A. Rotavirus vaccination coverage in Italy in children: a public health perspective.2024. [Accessed 12 May 2025].  https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6REBF 
  24. Ministero della Salute. Vaccinazioni dell’età paediatrica e dell’adolescenza - Coperture vaccinali. [Paediatric and adolescent vaccinations - Vaccination coverage]. Rome: Ministero della Salute. [Accessed 16 Dec 2024]. Italian. Available from: https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/documentazione/p6_2_8_1_1.jsp?lingua=italiano&id=38
  25. Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). Piano Nazionale Prevenzione Vaccinale (PNPV) 2017-2019. [National Vaccination Prevention Plan (PNPV) 2017-2019]. Rome: ISS. [Accessed 16 Dec 2024]. Italian. Available from: https://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pubblicazioni_2571_allegato.pdf
  26. Dettori S, Cortesia I, Mariani M, Opisso A, Mesini A, Saffioti C, et al. Impact of rotavirus vaccine in reducing hospitalization rates in pediatric patients: a single center experience in Italy. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2021;17(12):5646-9.  https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.1978796  PMID: 34766869 
  27. Costantino C, Restivo V, Tramuto F, Casuccio A, Vitale F. Universal rotavirus vaccination program in Sicily: Reduction in health burden and cost despite low vaccination coverage. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2018;14(9):2297-302.  https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2018.1471306  PMID: 29757707 
  28. Bonanni P, Villani A, Scotti S, Biasci P, Russo R, Maio T, et al. The recommended lifetime immunization schedule from the board of vaccination calendar for life in Italy: A continuing example of impact on public health policies. Vaccine. 2021;39(8):1183-6.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.01.019  PMID: 33589048 
  29. Bonanni P, Conforti G, Franco E, Gabutti G, Marchetti F, Mattei A, et al. Fourteen years’ clinical experience and the first million babies protected with human live-attenuated vaccine against rotavirus disease in Italy. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2021;17(11):4636-45.  https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.1955611  PMID: 34370615 
  30. Barbieri V, Wiedermann CJ, Lombardo S, Piccoliori G, Gärtner T, Engl A. Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Mistrust during Pandemic Decline: Findings from 2021 and 2023 Cross-Sectional Surveys in Northern Italy. Vaccines (Basel). 2024;12(2):176.  https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020176  PMID: 38400159 
  31. La Fauci G, Soldà G, Di Valerio Z, Salussolia A, Montalti M, Scognamiglio F, et al. Rates and determinants of Rotavirus vaccine uptake among children in Italy: a cross-sectional study within the 2022 OBVIOUS* project. BMC Public Health. 2024;24(1):770.  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18154-0  PMID: 38475736 
  32. Marchetti F, Verazza S, Brambilla M, Restivo V. Rotavirus and the web: analysis of online conversations in Italy during 2020. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2022;18(1):2002087.  https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.2002087  PMID: 34856884 
  33. Melot B, Bordin P, Bertoni C, Tralli V, Zuccali M, Grignolio A, et al. Knowledge, attitudes and practices about vaccination in Trentino, Italy in 2019. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2021;17(1):259-68.  https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2020.1763085  PMID: 32530773 
  34. Napolitano F, Ali Adou A, Vastola A, Angelillo IF. Rotavirus Infection and Vaccination: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors among Parents in Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(10):1807.  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101807  PMID: 31117274 
  35. Di Martino G, Mazzocca R, Camplone L, Cedrone F, Di Giovanni P, Staniscia T. Attitudes and Beliefs towards Rotavirus Vaccination in a Sample of Italian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Vaccines (Basel). 2023;11(6):1041.  https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061041  PMID: 37376430 
  36. Cadeddu C, Daugbjerg S, Ricciardi W, Rosano A. Beliefs towards vaccination and trust in the scientific community in Italy. Vaccine. 2020;38(42):6609-17.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.07.076  PMID: 32788138 
  37. Cadeddu C, Sapienza M, Castagna C, Regazzi L, Paladini A, Ricciardi W, et al. Vaccine Hesitancy and Trust in the Scientific Community in Italy: Comparative Analysis from Two Recent Surveys. Vaccines (Basel). 2021;9(10):1206.  https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9101206  PMID: 34696314 
  38. Giambi C, Fabiani M, D’Ancona F, Ferrara L, Fiacchini D, Gallo T, et al. Parental vaccine hesitancy in Italy - Results from a national survey. Vaccine. 2018;36(6):779-87.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.12.074  PMID: 29325822 
A review of childhood rotavirus vaccination policies and a presentation of vaccine coverage trends at national and regional level, Italy, 2016 to 2023
<p class="citation"> <span>Citation style for this article:</span> <span class="meta-value authors"> <a href="/search?value1=Sara+Farina&option1=author&noRedirect=true" class="nonDisambigAuthorLink">Farina Sara</a>, <a href="/search?value1=Alessandra+Maio&option1=author&noRedirect=true" class="nonDisambigAuthorLink">Maio Alessandra</a>, <a href="/search?value1=Andrea+Zaino&option1=author&noRedirect=true" class="nonDisambigAuthorLink">Zaino Andrea</a>, <a href="/search?value1=Luigi+Russo&option1=author&noRedirect=true" class="nonDisambigAuthorLink">Russo Luigi</a>, <a href="/search?value1=Walter+Ricciardi&option1=author&noRedirect=true" class="nonDisambigAuthorLink">Ricciardi Walter</a>, <a href="/search?value1=Roberto+Ieraci&option1=author&noRedirect=true" class="nonDisambigAuthorLink">Ieraci Roberto</a>, <a href="/search?value1=Leonardo+Villani&option1=author&noRedirect=true" class="nonDisambigAuthorLink">Villani Leonardo</a></span>. A review of childhood rotavirus vaccination policies and a presentation of vaccine coverage trends at national and regional level, Italy, 2016 to 2023. <a href="/content/ecdc">Euro Surveill.</a> 2025;30(39):pii=2500026. <a href="https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.39.2500026" title="doi link" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.39.2500026</a> <span class="ES_Article_citation"> <span class="generated">Received</span>: 07 Jan 2025;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="generated">Accepted</span>: 02 Jun 2025 </span> </p>
/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.39.2500026
/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.39.2500026
Loading

Data & Media loading...

Supplementary data

Submit comment
Close
Comment moderation successfully completed
This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error