Vaccination coverage of 1995-2000 birth cohorts in the Italian province of Frosinone

The goal of this investigation has been to assess the vaccination coverage for the infectious diseases preventable with the mandatory and recommended vaccinations envisaged by the routine immunization programme for the age of development, within the 4 Health Districts of the ASL (Local Health Unit) of the province of Frosinone through direct consultation of the vaccination registers or schedules. The data refers to the birth cohorts from 1995 to 2000. The coverage for the primary cycle of diphtheria-tetanus, poliomyelitis and hepatitis B vaccinations is always > 95%. The poliomyelitis booster shots expected during the third year were given to 95.2% of those born in 1995 compared to 87.2% in 1999 and 83.1% in 2000. The diphtheria-tetanus booster expected during the sixth year was given to 86.3% of those born in 1995, 87.1% in 1996 and 77.2% in 1997. The administration of the first three doses of pertussis vaccine increased from 25.1% in 1995 to 90.1% in 2000; the complete vaccination cycle for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was administered to 0.3% of those born in 1995 compared to 12.0% in 2000. The Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage reached values of 14.5% in 1995 and 62.9% in 2000 with considerable differences by district. Our data shows that poor compliance with the vaccination schedule of boosters for compulsory vaccinations and the administration of Hib and MMR vaccines has a negative effect on the level of vaccination coverage; therefore, now more than ever, it is essential to encourage more extensive public information campaigns.