Review of scientific evidence to support recommendations of the full-dose DTaP-IPV vaccination in pre-school age children in Italy. (2nd December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bechini, Angela; Zanella, Beatrice; Bonito, Benedetta; Bonanni, Paolo; Boccalini, Sara
• Is Part Of: Expert review of vaccines. Volume 21:Number 12(2022)
• Page Start: 1819
• Page End: 1830
• Publication Date: 2022-12-02
• Subjects: DTaP-IPV -- dTap-IPV -- vaccine -- pre-school booster -- full dose -- vaccination coverage -- children -- adolescence -- immunization schedule; Vaccines -- Periodicals; Vaccination -- Periodicals; 615.37205
• DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2130770
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-0584

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Two vaccine formulations are available to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis: the pediatric full-dose (DTaP-IPV) and the reduced dose formulation (dTap-IPV). Different immunization schedules are internationally recommended for the pre-school booster dose. Areas covered: International and Italian recommendations, scientific evidence on immunogenicity and safety of DTaP/dTap vaccines to support the full dose as a pre-school booster and Italian vaccination coverage (VC) up to adolescence. Expert opinion: The WHO recommends a '3+1' schedule with DTaP vaccine for primary immunization, followed by a pre-school booster with DTaP or dTap vaccine. In Italy, a '2+1' schedule, with no booster in the second year, and a pre-school booster dose are recommended with DTPa-IPV vaccines. Studies showed a non-inferior immunogenicity in dTap vaccinees in pre-school age; nevertheless, the antibody titers were usually greater in children vaccinated with DTaP, while lower frequencies of adverse events were recorded in children receiving dTap. Italian VCs for pre-school and adolescent boosters have not been satisfactory, which further reduced during the COVID-19 period. In Italy, the pre-school booster offers the last chance to receive a full dose of DTaP vaccine, thus, representing the most suitable intervention to provide lasting protection in children.