Exploring regional variations in the provision of influenza vaccination in Italy.

BACKGROUND

Influenza remains a major global public health concern, particularly affecting high-risk populations and straining healthcare systems. Vaccination coverage in Italy remains suboptimal, with wide regional variability. This study explores regional differences in the provision of influenza vaccination in Italy's decentralized health system, based on official regional circulars and institutional documents.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Information on the vaccination campaigns was collected from official regional circulars and institutional documents, obtained via institutional websites or direct contact with regional Prevention Departments. A structured grid guided the extraction and comparison of key elements, including vaccine types, prioritized risk groups, additional coverage indicators, and procurement volumes. Vaccination coverage data were used for contextual and comparative purposes.

RESULTS

Marked regional heterogeneity was observed in vaccine procurement and campaign planning. Ten regions procured all five authorized influenza vaccine types, while others omitted one or more. Several regions introduced additional coverage targets and prioritized specific high-risk populations. Reported procurement volumes varied widely, with an almost twofold difference between the regions at the extremes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights substantial regional heterogeneity in the implementation of the 2024/2025 influenza vaccination campaign in Italy, particularly in vaccine selection, prioritization strategies, and coverage targets. Regions with clearly defined temporal priorities and additional objectives tended to achieve higher vaccination coverage. Despite differences, common structural elements, such as the central role of Prevention Departments and involvement of general practitioners, were observed. Findings underscore the need for harmonized yet context-sensitive immunization policies in decentralized healthcare systems.