Impact of Mandatory Measles Vaccination on Coverage in Italy and the European Union: an observational study

Impact of Mandatory Measles Vaccination on Coverage in Italy and the European Union: an observational study

Authors

  • Maddalena Gaeta Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
  • Simone Fugazza Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
  • Matteo Carbone Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
  • Corina Marjin Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
  • Andrea Parrini Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
  • Eleonora Raso Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
  • Luca Viviani Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
  • Anna Odone Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy

Keywords:

Vaccination, Measles, Coverage, Mandatory

Abstract

Introduction. Measles is a highly contagious disease, but it is preventable through vaccination. Despite the availability of measles vaccines, outbreaks continue to occur, due to factors such as vaccine hesitancy. In Italy, measles vaccination has been mandatory since 2017.
Methods. This study analyses vaccination coverage trends to assess the impact of this mandatory vaccination policy at regionjqal, national, and European Union levels.
Results. Results show a significant increase in measles vaccination coverage within Italy following implementation of the mandate, both at the national (+5,2%) and regional levels. However, the comparison of European countries with and without mandatory vaccination policies did not reveal statistically significant differences in coverage.
Conclusion. This suggests that while mandatory vaccination can improve coverage within a nation, additional strategies may be needed to address vaccine hesitancy and achieve herd immunity across broader geographical areas.

References

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Published

2025-05-07

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Original research

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Maddalena Gaeta, Simone Fugazza, Matteo Carbone, Corina Marjin, Andrea Parrini, Eleonora Raso, Luca Viviani, Anna Odone (Author)

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How to Cite

1.
Gaeta M, Fugazza S, Carbone M, et al. Impact of Mandatory Measles Vaccination on Coverage in Italy and the European Union: an observational study. Ann Ig. 2025;37(3):378-383. doi:10.7416/ai.2025.2679