Italian Health Expert Calls for Official Campaign to Address Measles Outbreak
In response to the recent surge of measles infections in Italy, Claudio Cricelli, president emeritus of the Italian Society of General Medicine and Primary Care (Simg), has called for a targeted public health campaign to address the issue.
Cricelli emphasized the importance of vaccinating the older generations who are not vaccinated against measles, as they are particularly vulnerable to the infection. He stated that sporadic actions and individual efforts are not enough to eradicate the disease, and called for a cohesive strategy that includes mass vaccination for the unvaccinated.
According to Cricelli, there are three groups at risk for measles infection: young people and children who have been vaccinated, unvaccinated individuals who have not had measles and are therefore not immune, and unvaccinated adults who may have had measles in the past.
He stressed the need for precise investments and health policies to achieve the goal of measles eradication in Italy. Cricelli highlighted the importance of collecting serological data and implementing targeted vaccination campaigns to protect the population from the disease.
The current situation, according to Cricelli, highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to vaccination efforts in Italy. Until the entire population is fully vaccinated, he warns that there will continue to be outbreaks of measles in the country.
In conclusion, Cricelli urged for action to be taken at the national level to address the growing threat of measles infections in Italy. He emphasized the need for a clear and focused public health campaign to educate both healthcare providers and the general population on the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease.