Bonanni P, Crovari P
Public Health and Epidemiology Department, University of Florence, Italy.
Vaccine. 1998 Nov;16 Suppl:S38-42. doi: 10.1016/s0264-410x(98)00291-6.
Compulsory universal vaccination against hepatitis B was introduced in 1991 in Italy for all newborns and 12-year-olds. Despite the decreasing circulation of the virus noted in the late-1980s, it was clear that only universal immunization would control hepatitis B infection and limit the transmission of the virus. Data collected during the first six years after vaccination was implemented show the success of the strategy. Over 90% of infants in the country and adolescents living in north-central Italy were immunized. Since 1995, the decrease in acute cases of hepatitis B has accelerated in the age groups 0-14 and 15-24, particularly in two regions of the north; during the same period, no comparable decrease in incidence was seen in older age groups. Monitoring coverage of vaccination and incidence of acute disease and seroepidemiological studies will continue and should show a rapid progression towards the elimination of HBV circulation in the country.
1991年，意大利开始对所有新生儿和12岁儿童强制实施普遍的乙肝疫苗接种。尽管在20世纪80年代末已注意到病毒传播有所减少，但很明显，只有普遍免疫才能控制乙肝感染并限制病毒传播。疫苗接种实施后的头六年收集的数据显示了该策略的成功。该国90%以上的婴儿以及生活在意大利中北部的青少年都接种了疫苗。自1995年以来，0至14岁和15至24岁年龄组的乙肝急性病例减少加速，特别是在北部的两个地区；同期，老年年龄组的发病率未见类似下降。对疫苗接种覆盖率、急性疾病发病率的监测以及血清流行病学研究将继续进行，并且应该显示出在该国朝着消除乙肝病毒传播快速进展。
