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Measles elimination in Italy: projected impact of the National Elimination Plan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 October 2004

P. MANFREDI
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Statistica e Matematica Applicata all'Economia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
J. R. WILLIAMS
Affiliation:
Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care & Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
M. L. CIOFI DEGLI ATTI
Affiliation:
Centro Nazionale di Epidemiologia, Sorveglianza e Promozione della Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
S. SALMASO
Affiliation:
Centro Nazionale di Epidemiologia, Sorveglianza e Promozione della Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
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Abstract

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A mathematical model was used to evaluate the impact of the Italian Measles National Elimination Plan (NEP), and possible sources of failure in achieving its targets. The model considered two different estimates of force of infection, and the possible effect on measles transmission of the current Italian demographic situation, characterized by a below-replacement fertility. Results suggest that reaching all NEP targets will allow measles elimination to be achieved. In addition, the model suggests that achieving elimination by reaching a 95% first-dose coverage appears unlikely; and that conducting catch-up activities, reaching high vaccination coverage, could interrupt virus circulation, but could not prevent the infection re-emerging before 2020. Also, the introduction of the second dose of measles vaccine seems necessary for achieving and maintaining elimination. Furthermore, current Italian demography appears to be favourable for reaching elimination.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2004 Cambridge University Press