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Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and current practices about prevention of meningococcal disease among general practitioners (GPs) and primary care pediatricians (PCPs) in Italy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out between February 2022 and July 2023 among a random sample of GPs and PCPs in Southern Italy. The data were collected using a questionnaire accessible via an internet link with the free software Google Forms®. Results: Regarding the participants’ knowledge toward meningococcal vaccinations, 84.2% of the PCPs and more than half of the GPs (55.2%) knew that the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination is recommended for infants from the second month of life and 84.2% and 82.7% of the PCPs were aware that quadrivalent meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is recommended for children in the second year of life and adolescents, respectively. The GPs and PCPs considered vaccination against meningococcal disease to be very effective and safe with average values of 8.8 and 8.7, respectively, on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. Those with an older age, those who knew the medical conditions that expose patients to a higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease, and those who self-rated their knowledge on meningococcal disease as excellent/very good were more likely to consider the vaccination to be very effective and safe. Only 15.5% of the GPs and more than half of the PCPs (54.3%) administered anti-meningococcal vaccines to their patients. GPs and females were less likely to administer anti-meningococcal vaccines to their patients, whereas those who acquired information on meningococcal vaccinations by scientific journals were more likely to administer meningococcal vaccines. Conclusions: The findings of the survey highlighted the need of a greater engagement of GPs and PCPs in the immunization campaigns in order to increase meningococcal vaccination coverage.

Background: This study was conducted to assess parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children with the RSV vaccine and the key predictors of this intention among parents in Italy. Methods: Data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire from April to November 2023, targeting parents in public kindergartens and nursery schools in southern Italy. The survey assessed parents’ socio-demographic characteristics, health-related details, their child’s health status, attitudes toward RSV infection and its vaccine, and their source(s) of information. Results: A total of 404 parents agreed to participate in the study. Only 18.2% of participants were very concerned that their children could get infected by RSV, and this concern was more likely among parents whose child had been diagnosed with bronchiolitis, those who received information from HCWs, those who had heard of RSV, and those who needed additional information. Almost half (51.3%) were willing to vaccinate their child, and this inclination was more likely among fathers, employed parents, those with daughters, those who had heard of RSV, those who received information from HCWs, and those who needed additional information. Conclusions: An educational campaign regarding a future RSV vaccine, especially about its safety and efficacy, is needed in order to improve parents’ willingness.

Background: Despite the efforts of the World Health Organization, some childhood viral diseases, for which there is already an effective vaccine, have not yet been eradicated. Among these, we find varicella, mumps, measles, and rubella, which although in most cases have a benign course, can in some cases be responsible for infectious outbreaks, especially in nosocomial settings. The aim of this study was to verify the immunological situation of a cohort of trainee obstetricians in Campania regarding varicella, mumps, measles, and rubella to be used as an example for the evaluation of possible preventive strategies to avoid infectious outbreaks. Methods: All the samples collected and sent to the laboratory were eligible for analysis and have been included in the study. Specific IgG for varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella were assayed on serum samples taken from 517 trainee obstetricians using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The seropositivity results were statistically analyzed by correlating them to age group and gender. Results: The results obtained show that a percentage of trainee obstetricians tested do not have an effective immunological coverage against at least one of the vaccine-preventable diseases considered, especially for mumps. Conclusions: Therefore, it is proposed to extend surveillance to other professionals in contact with frail patients and increase awareness of vaccination campaigns.

Background: The aims of the study were to determine, in the urine and oral samples of young adults, the genotype-specific prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, the HPV DNA type-specific prevalence in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals, and the determinants of HPV infection. Methods: Selected participants were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire and to self-collect urine and saliva samples. Results: Among the 1002 participants, 81 (8.1%) resulted positive for HPV DNA. The most common low-risk genotype was HPV 42 (2.2%), followed by HPV 43 (0.8%), and 40 (0.5%). The HPV 51 was the most common high-risk genotype (1.5%) followed by HPV 66 (1%) and HPV 68 (1%), and no participants were infected with HPV genotypes 18, 33, 45. Females, those who have had one or more occasional sexual partner, those who never/rarely/sometimes used condoms during their sexual activity, those with a previous diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection, and those who were not vaccinated were more likely to be tested positive for HPV infection. Conclusions: The low prevalence of genital HPV infections has provided evidence of the effectiveness of HPV vaccination both in vaccinated and not yet vaccinated subjects through herd immunity and indicated its decisive role in the changing epidemiology of circulating HPV genotypes in the population.

Background: This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate pregnant women’s awareness regarding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection and willingness to receive the vaccine during pregnancy and to vaccinate their newborn against RSV. Methods: An anonymous survey was administered from 20 April to 30 June 2023, to pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years attending gynecology wards of randomly selected public hospitals in southern Italy. A minimum sample size of 427 participants was calculated. The survey assessed women’s socio-demographic characteristics, health-related information, their source(s) of information, and attitudes regarding RSV. Results: A total of 490 women participated. Those who were married/cohabiting, with a high-school degree compared to those who had a university degree, and those who needed additional information were more concerned that the newborn could acquire the RSV infection. The perceived utility of a future RSV vaccine administered during pregnancy was higher among those who were married/cohabiting, with a university degree, those with very good perceived health status, those who received information from healthcare workers, and those who needed additional information. Only 45.9% were willing to be vaccinated during pregnancy, and this was more likely among those with a university degree, with a very good perceived health status, who had received information from healthcare workers, and who needed more information. Finally, almost two-thirds (61.1%) were willing to vaccinate their newborn, and this was more likely among women with a university degree, with a very good perceived health status, and who needed additional information. Conclusions: An education campaign regarding RSV infection and its vaccine is needed in order to improve women’s perception and to support healthcare workers in promoting it when it will be available.

Background: This survey investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards HPV preventive measures among university students in Italy and their associated factors. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2022 and April 2023. Results: Only 41.7% knew about HPV infection and the main preventive measures. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis showed that females, those aged 25–30 years, those who have had oral sex, those who had received information about HPV infection and preventive measures from physicians, and those who needed additional information about HPV infection and preventive measures were more knowledgeable. Only 39.1% have received at least one HPV vaccination dose, whereas 29.2% and 31.7% had not been vaccinated or did not remember. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis identified that female students enrolled in the field of health sciences, those who did not report a prior history of a sexually transmitted infection, and those with a higher knowledge about HPV infection and preventive measures were more willing to receive the HPV vaccination. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, this was the first detailed survey on this topic conducted in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 among university students in Italy. The survey underlined the need to develop and to implement comprehensive educational programs and health interventions among students, to enhance their knowledge and modify their attitudes and improve the HPV vaccine uptake.

(1) Background: The aims of this survey were to assess the perceived health status and to evaluate the use of healthcare services during the pandemic period. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2021 in the Campania and Calabria regions, Southern Italy. The sample was selected among 655 subjects attending vaccination or primary care physician clinics. (3) Results: More than half (57.2%) of the respondents were female, the mean age was 49 years (range 19–97), and 61.3% had at least one chronic disease. Among the respondents, 56.3% declared that they had accessed healthcare at least once during the pandemic and, among all respondents who did not access healthcare, 23.2% gave reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two scores obtained from the Short-Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), physical health summary (PCS) and mental health summary (MCS), had a means of 48.4 and 45.9, respectively. Among the respondents, 2.3% of respondents considered their health poor, 43.1% good and 6.4% excellent. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest the need to ensure, in similar health emergency situations, a quick response from the National Health System so that ordinary medical assistance activities can be guaranteed in full safety, avoiding the risk of missed access or lack of assistance.

(1) Background: this study investigated the preventive measures implemented in the workplace and evaluated knowledge, attitudes and adherence behaviors regarding SARS-CoV-2 routes of transmission and preventive measures in a group of workers. (2) Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2021 among 501 workers in the Campania region, in Southern Italy. (3) Results: 80.5% of respondents declared that their company had implemented the main COVID-19 preventive measures, and 54.7% of respondents knew SARS-CoV-2 routes of transmission along with the main preventive measures. Moreover, 34.2% were highly concerned about contracting SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace and transmitting it to family. Adherence to all preventive measures in the workplace involved 42.5% of respondents. The results of the multivariate logistic regression model revealed that significant determinants of adherence to all preventive measures in the workplace were being female, working not as a manager or office employee, cohabiting with someone that received a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, knowing SARS-CoV-2 routes of transmission and the related main preventive measures, being highly concerned of contracting SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace and transmitting it to family and believing that COVID-19 vaccine offers high protection against disease. At the time of the survey, 47.5% of respondents had already received COVID-19 vaccine. Among unvaccinated respondents, 11.8% expressed unwillingness to get vaccinated for COVID-19. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlighted a good awareness about COVID-19 prevention and underlined a good propensity to get vaccinated among workers. Therefore, there is the need that preventive measures should be prioritized in the working context.

Background: This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding vaccinations among schoolteachers in Italy. Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire from September 2020 to May 2021 from a sample of schoolteachers in the Campania region of southern Italy. Results: Only 27% of the participants had good knowledge about the vaccinations recommended for schoolteachers. Females who had children, who were unsatisfied by their health status, and not needing additional information about vaccinations were more likely to have good knowledge. Moreover, 61.5% perceived that vaccinations are useful in preventing infectious diseases, and 44.5% agreed or strongly agreed that vaccinations should be mandatory for schoolteachers. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed that schoolteachers who perceived that vaccinations are useful in preventing infectious diseases, who considered the recommended vaccinations to be useful to protecting their own and their students’ health, who believed that information received about vaccination was useful, and who needed additional information about vaccinations recommended for schoolteachers, were significantly more likely to agree or strongly agree that vaccinations should be mandatory for schoolteachers. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for education strategies to ensure that schoolteachers are better informed about vaccinations recommended for their profession.

Background: This study explored awareness and adhesion of parents to the recommendations for influenza vaccination for their children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2022 among parents of 6 months–6 years-old children in Southern Italy. Results: Only 22.1% of parents were aware that influenza vaccination was recommended for healthy children, and 31.8% reported at least one influenza vaccination in the four influenza seasons from 2018/2019 to 2021/2022. Adherence was higher among parents who had received influenza vaccination at least once, who knew the main childhood vaccinations, who knew that influenza can be prevented, that influenza vaccination is recommended for healthy children, who believe that it is useful, and who have been informed about it by physicians. Willingness to vaccinate their children in the upcoming season was 48.6% and was higher among parents who had vaccinated their children at least once, believed that influenza vaccination protects against severe complications, believed that it is useful, and that it is not better for children to acquire immunization through illness than through vaccination. Conclusions: These findings suggest that efforts should be devoted to educating parents on the risks associated with the disease and the benefits of the vaccine.

Background: This study assessed awareness, attitudes, and uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening in detained women. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2022 in four women prisons in Italy. Results: 41.1% of participants recognized HPV infection as an sexually transmitted diseases (STD), 36.4% identified cervical, and 16.8% oral cancer as an HPV-associated disease. Overall, 70% had never heard of HPV vaccination, and 45.8% believed it is effective to prevent cervical cancer. Among the age-eligible women for HPV vaccination, none reported to have undergone it, nor had talked about it with a physician in the previous year. Only 13.5% declared to have ever undergone cervical cancer screening, and adherence was significantly higher in those who were involved in a working activity in prison, who were aware that HPV infection is an STD and that can cause cervical and oral cancer, and who were older at their first sexual intercourse. Conclusion: These findings documented an extremely low awareness of HPV infection and an unsatisfactory adherence to prevention through HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. There is a need for evidence-based interventions for incarcerated women to promote participation in HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs as routine activities.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate vaccination hesitancy and behaviors among parents of children with chronic conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021 in three public hospitals in southern Italy. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview of parents of children up to 17 years of age with at least one chronic condition. Results: Of the 532 parents approached, 444 agreed to participate, with a response rate of 83.4%. Almost half of parents (43%) knew that children with chronic diseases are at greater risk of complications from VPDs, and 21.6% knew all the vaccinations available in Italy. Additionally, 55.9% felt that vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) are very dangerous for their children, and 28.7% were very worried about the side effects of vaccines. The result of the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccine (PACV) score indicated that 23.2% of parents were hesitant about vaccinations. Parental vaccine hesitancy was significantly more common among parents who had female children, among those who did not know the recommended vaccinations, among those who had a higher concern of potential side effects of the vaccines, among those who believed that the administration of the vaccinations was not useful, and among who received information on recommended vaccination from the internet, social and mass media. Conclusions: Important efforts by policy makers and healthcare providers must be implemented to counter vaccine hesitancy among parents.

Background: This study explored the extent of COVID-19 vaccination coverage and investigated drivers and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people in prison. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2021 among 517 detained people in the Campania region of South Italy. Results: In total, 47.1% of participants expressed a high concern about contracting COVID-19 after vaccination, whereas 60.6% and 53.8% of respondents reported a positive attitude towards usefulness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. Adherence to the active offer of COVID-19 vaccination involved 89.7% of detained subjects. COVID-19 vaccination uptake was significantly higher in females, and in those who reported influenza vaccination uptake, had received information about COVID-19 vaccination from media and newspapers, did not express need of additional information about COVID-19 vaccine, believed that COVID-19 vaccine is safe, were involved in working activities in the prison, and had a high school or university degree. Conclusions: These findings showed a high self-reported COVID-19 vaccination coverage in detained subjects, supporting the effectiveness of the strategy aimed at giving priority to COVID-19 vaccinations in prisons. Further efforts are needed to contrast the hesitancy of those who refused vaccination to increase their confidence about usefulness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

The objectives of the cross-sectional study were to measure how behaviors and attitudes about preventive measures toward COVID-19 changed over time among Italian vaccinated healthcare workers and university students, and the associated characteristics. The study was carried out between February and March 2021 in the city of Naples, Campania region, Southern Italy. The perceived personal risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 after the vaccination was significantly higher among males, in those having a higher perceived personal risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 before the vaccination, and in those who were more concerned about the efficacy of the vaccination. The fear of getting the disease as reason to have the COVID-19 vaccination was reported more frequently in younger participants, in those with at least one chronic medical condition, in those with a higher concern about the severity of COVID-19, in those with a higher level of trust in the information received, and in those who acquired information from scientific journals. Overall, 21.3% were willing to engage the three main public health measures (wearing a mask, careful hand washing, physical distancing) after receiving the second dose of the vaccination compared to the behavior before the pandemic began. This willingness was predicted by a higher level of trust in the information received and by a lower self-rated health status. Only 0.1% of participants were willing to engage all three measures after receiving the second dose of the vaccination compared to the behavior before receiving the first dose. These findings are useful in order to develop information strategies regarding vaccine safety and efficacy and the importance of public health measures against COVID-19.

This cross-sectional survey was designed to evaluate hospital healthcare workers’ (HCWs) willingness to receive the influenza vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the related determinants, since it is plausible that the two epidemics will coexist in future winters. Overall, 68% out of 490 participants expressed their willingness to receive influenza vaccination in the 2020/21 season, with 95% of those ever and 45.8% of those never vaccinated in the previous six influenza seasons. Belief that influenza vaccine is useful in distinguishing influenza symptoms from those of COVID-19 and that the influenza vaccine is useful to prevent influenza in hospital settings, willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination, having no concern about influenza vaccine side effects, concern about the possibility to transmit influenza to hospitalized patients, and influenza vaccination in previous years were all predictors of willingness to receive influenza vaccination. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a relevant increase in the willingness to undergo influenza vaccination was reported. Therefore, interventions focused primarily on enabling factors are needed to promote the adherence to influenza vaccination in future seasons among HCWs.

Understanding whether members of the university population are willing to receive a future vaccination against COVID-19 and identifying barriers may help public health authorities to develop effective strategies and interventions to contain COVID-19. This cross-sectional study explored the willingness to accept a future SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in a university population in Southern Italy. The perceived risk level of developing COVID-19 was 6.5 and it was significantly higher among females, younger subjects, and those who agreed/strongly agreed that COVID-19 is a severe disease. Only 21.4% of respondents were not worried at all regarding the safety of the vaccine. Males, not being married/cohabitant, being a faculty member, those who perceived a lower risk of developing COVID-19, and those who did not need information regarding the vaccination against COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have no concern at all regarding the safety of the vaccine. The vast majority (84.1%) were willing to receive a future vaccine against COVID-19. Almost coherently with predictors of concern on the safety of the vaccine, being male, not being married/cohabitant, being a faculty member, not being concerned at all that COVID-19 vaccination might not be safe, and agreeing that COVID-19 can have serious health consequences were significant predictors of the willingness to receive the vaccine against COVID-19. A considerable proportion of the population had a positive willingness to receive the future COVID-19 vaccine, although some concerns have been expressed regarding the effectiveness and safety and public health activities seem necessary to achieve the rate that can lead to the protection of the community.

This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding meningococcal disease and related vaccinations among healthcare workers (HCWs) who provided care to patients with underlying high-risk medical conditions. A total of 411 HCWs returned the survey. Only 35% of the respondents had a good knowledge about the incidence and lethality of meningococcal disease, the most frequent serogroups in Italy and the diseases or conditions that expose patients to a high-risk of severe complications caused by meningococcal disease. Vaccination against meningococcal disease was perceived to be highly effective by 38.4% of participants, very safe by 36.2%, and 82% agreed or strongly agreed that HCWs should promote adherence to recommended vaccinations even in hesitant patients. Moreover, 34.1% recommended meningococcal vaccinations to all eligible patients and the results of the multivariate analysis showed that older HCWs, who work in pediatric/neonatal wards, have good knowledge about meningococcal vaccinations, have a favourable attitude towards vaccinations, and do not need additional information about meningococcal vaccinations, were more likely to recommend meningococcal vaccinations to all eligible patients. Interventions aimed at the enhancement of knowledge and awareness of HCWs who provide care to these patients on the benefits of meningococcal vaccinations are warranted.

The cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the recommended vaccinations and factors affecting such outcomes among a sample of healthcare workers (HCWs) in public hospitals in Italy. Only 14.1% knew all the recommended vaccinations for HCWs. Physicians and those who had received information about vaccinations from scientific journals, educational activities, or professional associations were more likely to have this knowledge, while those aged 36−45 were more likely to have less knowledge than those in the age group below 36 years. Only 57.3% agreed that the information received about vaccinations was reliable. Respondents who had children, who worked in pediatric/neonatal wards, who were more knowledgeable, or who did not need further information about vaccinations considered the available information to be reliable. Only 17.7% of respondents always recommended vaccinations to their patients. This behavior was more likely to occur in physicians, in HCWs, in pediatric/neonatal wards, in those who considered the information received about vaccinations reliable, and in those who considered themselves to be at high risk of transmitting an infectious disease to their patients. Health promotion programs and efforts are needed to improve the level of knowledge about vaccinations and immunization coverage among HCWs.