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In Italy, in 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to estimate vaccine hesitancy and investigate its determinants among parents of children aged 16–36 months. Data on parental attitudes and beliefs about vaccinations were collected through a questionnaire administered online or self-administered at pediatricians’ offices and nurseries. Parents were classified as pro-vaccine, vaccine-hesitant or anti-vaccine, according to self-reported tetanus and measles vaccination status of their child. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with hesitancy. A total of 3130 questionnaires were analysed: 83.7% of parents were pro-vaccine, 15.6% vaccine-hesitant and 0.7% anti-vaccine. Safety concerns are the main reported reason for refusing (38.1%) or interrupting (42.4%) vaccination. Anti-vaccine and hesitant parents are significantly more afraid than pro-vaccine parents of short-term (85.7 and 79.7% vs 60.4%) and long-term (95.2 and 72.3% vs 43.7%) vaccine adverse reactions. Most pro-vaccine and hesitant parents agree about the benefits of vaccinations. Family pediatricians are considered a reliable source of information by most pro-vaccine and hesitant parents (96.9 and 83.3% respectively), against 45% of anti-vaccine parents. The main factors associated with hesitancy were found to be: not having received from a paediatrician a recommendation to fully vaccinate their child [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.21, 95% CI: 2.14–4.79], having received discordant opinions on vaccinations (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.11–2.43), having met parents of children who experienced serious adverse reactions (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.03–2.15), and mainly using non-traditional medical treatments (AOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.31–3.19). Vaccine safety is perceived as a concern by all parents, although more so by hesitant and anti-vaccine parents. Similarly to pro-vaccine parents, hesitant parents consider vaccination an important prevention tool and trust their family pediatricians, suggesting that they could benefit from appropriate communication interventions. Training health professionals and providing homogenous information about vaccinations, in line with national recommendations, are crucial for responding to their concerns.

Background The European Regional Office of the World Health Organization developed a strategic approach to halt the indigenous transmission of measles in its 53 Member States by 2015, World Health Organization [1]. Many European countries, including Italy began the implementation of national programs to reach this goal. Objectives To describe and discuss the results of laboratory activity in measles surveillance, performed from January 2011 to December 2013 by the Italian National Reference Laboratory for Measles and Rubella. Study design Samples of suspected measles cases were collected from different Italian regions to confirm clinical diagnosis. Anti-measles IgM antibodies detection by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and/or molecular detection by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction assay were performed. Positive samples were sequenced for viral characterization. Results and conclusions According to results from the National Reference Laboratory’s activity urine and blood seem to be the best specimens for measles laboratory surveillance. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a co-circulation of the genotypes D4 and D8 during the reviewed period, a cluster of B3 and sporadic cases of D9 and H1.

In Italy since 2007 vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is offered to 11-year-old females, whereas vaccination for older age groups is still a matter of debate. To assess Italian young women's knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention a cross-sectional study among young women aged 18-26 years was conducted in 2008. The survey collected information on in-depth awareness and knowledge regarding Pap testing, HPV infection, HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. The response rate was 57.7% with a wide range of variability (34-84%) amongst local health units. Among 667 women who participated in the survey poor awareness and various misconceptions regarding HPV and cervical cancer prevention were detected. Overall women were found to be more knowledgeable about Pap smears and cervical cancer than about HPV infection and the HPV vaccine. Respondents pointed to their healthcare providers as their most trusted source for medical information. Understanding women's knowledge on cervical cancer prevention, as well as related factors is important in helping to achieve and maintain adherence to cervical cancer preventive strategies. Moreover in order to minimize cervical cancer risk by improving women's adherence to preventive strategies, appropriate and adequate information dissemination, and guidance from health professionals appear to be crucial elements.