Post-marketing surveillance study of the DTaP2-IPV-HB-Hib (Hexyon) vaccine administered in preterm infants in the Apulia region, Italy, in 2017.

Recommendations in many countries state that preterm infants (PTIs) should receive the same routine immunization schedule and timing as for full-term births, according to their chronological age. Data regarding hexavalent vaccine safety in PTIs are still limited. We conducted a post-marketing surveillance study of the DTaP2-IPV-HB-Hib vaccine administered to PTIs in Apulia region, Italy. We identified PTIs by selecting the hospital discharge records of infants born between January and June 2017 using the DRG and ICD-9-CM codes for preterm birth, and we matched these data with records included in the regional immunization registry. We analyzed coverage and timeliness of vaccination. To investigate adverse events (AEs) after the first dose, we interviewed via phone the parents of PTIs vaccinated with at least one dose of the DTaP2-IPV-HB-Hib vaccine. At the time of our analysis (31.12.2017), 866/936 (92.5%) PTIs received the first dose of hexavalent vaccine and 539/936 (57.6%) were vaccinated by the third month of age, as recommended; 700/866 (80.8%) received the DTaP2-IPV-HB-Hib vaccine. The parents of 339 PTIs vaccinated with the DTaP2-IPV-HB-Hib vaccine reported local pain as the most common reaction (35.7% of the children). Erythema, swelling, induration and nodule were also reported in about 25% of the children. Systemic adverse events were generally rarer than local reactions. No serious AEs were reported. Our findings showed that more than 40% of PTIs received delayed hexavalent vaccination. This study showed a reassuring safety profile of the vaccine in the preterm population and may be considered as a pilot for further real-world studies

Acute Delta Hepatitis in Italy spanning three decades (1991–2019): Evidence for the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccination campaign

Updated incidence data of acute Delta virus hepatitis (HDV) are lacking worldwide. Our aim was to evaluate incidence of and risk factors for acute HDV in Italy after the introduction of the compulsory vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 1991. Data were obtained from the National Surveillance System of acute viral hepatitis (SEIEVA). Independent predictors of HDV were assessed by logistic-regression analysis. The incidence of acute HDV per 1-million population declined from 3.2 cases in 1987 to 0.04 in 2019, parallel to that of acute HBV per 100,000 from 10.0 to 0.39 cases during the same period. The median age of cases increased from 27 years in the decade 1991-1999 to 44 years in the decade 2010-2019 (p < .001). Over the same period, the male/female ratio decreased from 3.8 to 2.1, the proportion of coinfections increased from 55% to 75% (p = .003) and that of HBsAg positive acute hepatitis tested for by IgM anti-HDV linearly decreased from 50.1% to 34.1% (p < .001). People born abroad accounted for 24.6% of cases in 2004-2010 and 32.1% in 2011-2019. In the period 2010-2019, risky sexual behaviour (O.R. 4.2; 95%CI: 1.4-12.8) was the sole independent predictor of acute HDV; conversely intravenous drug use was no longer associated (O.R. 1.25; 95%CI: 0.15-10.22) with this. In conclusion, HBV vaccination was an effective measure to control acute HDV. Intravenous drug use is no longer an efficient mode of HDV spread. Testing for IgM-anti HDV is a grey area requiring alert. Acute HDV in foreigners should be monitored in the years to come

A Survey to Assess Food Safety Knowledge and Habits Among High School Students, Their Parents and Teachers in Pescara and Chieti Provinces, Abruzzo Region (Italy)

Food safety is a topic of increasing relevance in the European Union (EU). Ensuring safe food from farm to fork is one of the main objectives of EU policies. In our study, we conducted an online survey to assess the food safety knowledge and eating habits in various categories. For young people, we chose school students aged 15–19, based on their ability to cook autonomously after school. For adults, we choose a representative sample consisting of students’ parents and teachers in Chieti and Pescara Provinces of Abruzzo Region (Italy). The survey was structured in eight sections with particular attention to questions regarding risks associated with microorganisms (e.g., Salmonella spp.) and bacterial cross-contamination. Students represented 60.7% of all respondents (n = 290). Risk perception associated with microorganisms in food was significantly different among students and teachers (p < 0.05). Students indicated microorganisms as a food risk in 20.2% of cases, while environmental pollutants were considered the greatest problem for 71.7% of participants. Among teachers, results indicated that 55.1% considered microorganisms a food-associated risk. An adequate theoretical knowledge regarding safe cooking practices was demonstrated by the majority of participants. Acceptable knowledge regarding microbiologically safe cooking practices was also demonstrated by participants. Based on these results, we provide suggestions to improve food safety education programs including the use of social media, as well as by adjusting educational strategies according to the background of learners