Experts’ Opinion for Improving Pertussis Vaccination Rates in Adolescents and Adults: A Call to Action

Giovanni Gabutti, Irene Cetin, Michele Conversano, Claudio Costantino, Paolo Durando and Sandro Giuffrida
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Giovanni Gabutti: Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Public Health Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Irene Cetin: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department “Woman, Mother and Child”—ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Buzzi Children’ Hospital, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
Michele Conversano: Department of Prevention, ASL of Taranto, 74121 Taranto, Italy
Claudio Costantino: Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Excellence Specialties, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Paolo Durando: Occupational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Sandro Giuffrida: Department of Prevention, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale of Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: This article highlights the importance of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (with reduced antigen content, dTap) vaccination in preventing pertussis, a respiratory infection that is still widespread and easily transmitted. In particular, it highlights the need to receive a booster vaccination throughout life to maintain high antibody levels, which decrease through time. This document collects the opinions that emerged from the comparison between major Italian experts in the field of vaccination. This working group was created to promote a “call to action”, aimed at raising awareness among all institutions, public health authorities, and health workers involved in the vaccination process, about the importance of dTap vaccine administration and with the mindset of implementing the strategic vaccination plan provided by the National Vaccine Plan (NVP). In fact, despite this vaccine being included in the NVP, there are some issues attributable to the practice of vaccination (local health authorities, vaccination centers, occupational health services, gynecology centers, societies of work). Therefore, it is necessary that the Ministry defines the vaccination coverage objectives, identifies the groups of subjects who should receive the booster vaccine (subjects exposed to greater risk of infection, subjects over 60, pregnant women), and applies all the necessary measures to encourage the implementation of this practice.

Keywords: dTap vaccine; pertussis; pertussis vaccine; pertussis vaccine in pregnancy; pertussis immunization; pertussis immunity duration; pertussis booster for adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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