The Italian policy of mandating SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for healthcare workers: Analysis of the policy processes and preliminary outcomes. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vicentini, Costanza; Garzaro, Giacomo; Cornio, Alessandro Roberto; Bosio, Davide; Bergamaschi, Enrico; Parravicini, Giovanna Pacchiana; Zotti, Carla Maria
• Is Part Of: Health policy. Volume 128(2023)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Healthcare workers -- SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- Italy -- Mandatory vaccinations -- Vaccine hesitancy; Medical education -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Delivery of Health Care -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; Health Planning -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Enseignement médical -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Medical education; Medical policy; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.11.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-8510

Abstract

Highlights: SARS-CoV-2 infected HCWs can lead to cross-transmission and increase community transmission. Italy introduced a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine mandate for HCWs in April 2021. Increased vaccine uptake and lower infection rates among HCWs were registered. Building vaccine confidence in HCWs and reestablishing trust should become priorities. Abstract: Background: Italy experienced the first outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Europe, and was among the most hardly hit European countries. Growing evidence suggests healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection in HCWs can lead to cross-transmission and increase community transmission. Italy was the first country in Europe to introduce mandatory vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 for HCWs, on April 1, 2021. Aim: To describe the policy processes and preliminary results of the introduction of compulsory vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 for HCWs in Italy. Results and conclusion: In Italy, the adoption of the policy was possible in the context of the public health and economic crisis resulting from the pandemic, with support from the scientific community and among favorable political conditions. Preliminary data suggest the policy has so far had a positive impact on increasing vaccine uptake and lowering infection rates among HCWs. Hopefully, the lack of serious vaccine-related adverse events and the growing evidence on vaccine effectiveness will progressively strengthen vaccine confidence among HCWs. In the context of a global pandemic, the Italian experience could provide insight for policymakers in other countries considering similar policies. Further, the ethical, legal, and policy challenges raised by the current public health emergency could be used to inform future pandemic preparedness plans.