In Italy, more than half (57%) of children who had to be vaccinated against meningitis during the COVID-19 pandemic did not. It is the result of an Ipsos survey conducted in 8 countries, including Italy, on behalf of GSK in the last 12 months on about 5 thousand parents. The Italian results are slightly above the average of other nations, in which cancellations and delays in appointments are around 50%. With us, in 54% of cases, the parents declared that the cause of the cancellations were the restrictive rules that imposed travel blocks. However, the overwhelming majority of participants (81%) said they wanted to reschedule missed appointments because they recognized the importance of vaccination against meningitis. Globally, however, 83 percent of parents said they were convinced that their child should continue to receive recommended vaccinations even during the pandemic.
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In addition to the closure of the vaccination centers, especially in the first months of the lock down, the parents’ concern that their children could contract the virus during appointments and to be able to maintain physical distancing during waiting times played an important role against vaccinations. . One concern still exists: 21 per cent of global respondents said they will not reschedule their child’s meningitis vaccination appointment, and most of these parents (11 per cent) cited concern about contracting the viruses in public spaces. However, it does not seem that the same thought is given to the possibility of contracting other infectious diseases, including meningitis, if not vaccinated. In fact, most parents in the eight countries (95 per cent) pointed out that their children will resume some activities that involve close contact with others once the restrictions are lifted, and 76 per cent said that their children will socialize with groups. of friends or family face to face. “A more than right desire, children need to socialize. But be careful because socialization increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases, including meningitis, and if children are not protected the risk increases exponentially ”, explained Michael Horn, pediatrician and vaccine expert in Germany.
Covid, because even children must be vaccinated
by Antonio Cassone
Invasive meningococcal disease is not common – in Europe there were 0.1 to 2.4 cases per 100,000 population in 2017 – but it is a potentially serious and unpredictable disease that can kill in less than 24 hours. Its symptoms, however, are very similar to those of the flu and therefore they often tend to underestimate and not recognize. However, even with adequate treatment, about 1 in 10 patients will die, while about 20 percent of those who survive the disease may suffer from severe physical or neurological disability (loss of limbs, hearing loss or convulsions). “For the characteristics of meningococcal infection it is essential that immunity is always kept very high”, folded Rino Rappuoli, scientific director and head of external R&D activities at GSK Vaccines. “The vaccine is the only real shield we have because 24-48 hours are very few to be able to act”.
Covid, if fear of the needle prevents vaccination
by Fiammetta Cupellaro
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