ABOUT THE IMMUNIZATION POLICY IN PUGLIA: MORE FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT IN NEED

Key words: Immunization, Health policy

The Puglia Region has recently established the free provision of pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella, Haemophilus, pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines. The decision does not make any difference between vaccines which respond to well established public health needs (pertussis, measles and rubella) and others for which the cost-benefit profile is questionable. No guidelines were issued and responsibility for decisions is left to the family paediatricians. This policy will significantly increase the costs for the health system without addressing the problem of improving the immunization coverage of children who, mainly due to social disadvantage, are currently not immunized for pertussis, measles and rubella.