The Italian policy of mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for healthcare workers: Analysis of the policy processes and preliminary outcomes.

Autor: Vicentini C; Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, Turin 10126, Italy. Electronic address: costanza.vicentini@unito.it., Garzaro G; Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, Turin 10126, Italy., Cornio AR; Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, Turin 10126, Italy., Bosio D; Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, Turin 10126, Italy., Bergamaschi E; Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, Turin 10126, Italy., Parravicini GP; Department of Law, University of Turin, Lungo Dora Siena 100/A, Turin 10154, Italy., Zotti CM; Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Via Santena 5 bis, Turin 10126, Italy.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Health policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands) [Health Policy] 2023 Feb; Vol. 128, pp. 49-54. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Nov 18.
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.11.006
Abstrakt: Background: Italy experienced the first outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Europe, and was among the most hardly hit European countries. Growing evidence suggests healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection in HCWs can lead to cross-transmission and increase community transmission. Italy was the first country in Europe to introduce mandatory vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 for HCWs, on April 1, 2021.
Aim: To describe the policy processes and preliminary results of the introduction of compulsory vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 for HCWs in Italy.
Results and Conclusion: In Italy, the adoption of the policy was possible in the context of the public health and economic crisis resulting from the pandemic, with support from the scientific community and among favorable political conditions. Preliminary data suggest the policy has so far had a positive impact on increasing vaccine uptake and lowering infection rates among HCWs. Hopefully, the lack of serious vaccine-related adverse events and the growing evidence on vaccine effectiveness will progressively strengthen vaccine confidence among HCWs. In the context of a global pandemic, the Italian experience could provide insight for policymakers in other countries considering similar policies. Further, the ethical, legal, and policy challenges raised by the current public health emergency could be used to inform future pandemic preparedness plans.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The Authors have no conflict to declare.
(Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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