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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the mandatory and recommended immunizations in Italy ?
 

The immunization schedule in use in Italy for childhood in Italy the following vaccines are mandatory for newborns:

- diphtheria (after the Law 6 June 1939, n° 891 and the Law 27 April 1981, n° 166)

- tetanus (after the Law 20 March 1968, n° 419 and the Law 27 April 1981, n° 166)

- polio (after the Law 4 February 1966, n° 51)

- hepatitis B (after the Law 27 May 1991, ° 165)
 

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids can be administered using either DT and the combined vaccines DTP or DTaP.

The immunization schedule starts at the 3rd month of life, with the administration of the first dose of DT (or DTP), polio (OPV) and hepatitis B vaccines; the subsequent doses are administered at the 5th and 11th month of life (schedule)

The vaccines can be administered simultaneously, in so far several studies have shown the absence of interference that could compromise the efficacy of the immune response in the case of contemporary administration of childhood vaccines.

In case DTP or DTaP is used, a supplementary dose is administered at the 15th-18th month of life.

A booster dose of DT is given at pre-school age (5-6 years).
 

Pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) vaccines are facultative; pertussis vaccine can be given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids; also measles vaccine can be administered either as a single or combination vaccine, with mumps and rubella (MMR), preferably at the 15th month and, anyway, within the 24th month of life.
 

Taking into account the adults, some vaccine are mandatory for certain high-risk persons and professional categories:

- tetanus toxoid is mandatory for agriculture and industry workers, for military personnel, miners, municipal cleansing service workers and for people practicing sports;

- typhoid vaccine is mandatory for food-handlers, for people working in water and sewage processing plants, for people working in dairies, for military recruits, for people working in hospital laundry, cleansing and sanitation services (after the Laws 2 December 1926 and 26 March 1980, n° 327)

- BCG vaccine is mandatory for health care personnel, for military personnel, for cutinegative household contacts of TB patients, and for children aged 5-15 years living in TB high-prevalence areas (tuberculin index > 5% in 6-year- old children);

- meningococcal vaccine, typhoid vaccine, DT, MMR are mandatory for military recruits at the moment of the enrollment.
 

Besides mandatory vaccines, some vaccination are recommended for high-risk groups:

- hepatitis B vaccine is recommended and free of any charge for health-care personnel, for household contacts and partners of HBsAg chronic carriers, clients and staff of institution for the developmentally disabled, IV drug users, homosexuals, prostitutes, public-safety workers, hemodialysis patients, recipient of blood products and so on (after the Decree 4 October 1991).

- Influenza vaccine is recommended for people aged more than 65 years, for persons with cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal chronic diseases, metabolic diseases, compromised immune functions, and for health-care personnel and people working in community services.

- leptospira vaccine is recommended for people working in sewage processing plants, miners, diggers, and for people practicing sports and fishing in marshy areas.

- typhoid vaccine, like polio, hepatitis A and B and rabies vaccine, is recommended for people travelling to endemic areas or to areas considered at risk. DT or Td (full course or a booster dose) are also recommended for travellers.
 

The different regimen of mandatory and recommended vaccination does not imply any classification of greater or lower severity of target disease, but it is only a consequence of some cultural and political attitudes of past years.
 

Indeed, a provision has been introduced for the delivery free of charge of all the vaccines of proven efficacy by the National Health Service.

 

 

Vaccination schedule

 

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ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.