Evidence for strengthening an existing vaccination programme case study: Italy – measles

KEY FINDINGS

A study of two measles outbreaks in Lazio, Italy was conducted. Key findings included the following:

• Despite high overall coverage within the population, pockets of unvaccinated communities create a risk for disease outbreaks.
• The outbreaks started in groups with low vaccine coverage (Roma/Sinti community, secondary school students).
• None of the 102 Roma/Sinti cases were vaccinated against measles.5.5% of the 347 remaining cases had received one dose of measles containing vaccine.
• Four health care professionals developed measles.
• About 60% of the 449 cases required hospitalization.