Public Health Clinics engaged with Covid-19 e disoriented families or worry about contagion. A deadly combination that has led to a decrease in vaccination coverage for preventable diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, measles and chicken pox. In the week that the World Health Organization dedicates to vaccinations, the Italian Federation of Pediatricians raises the alarm on the indirect effects of the pandemic and appeals to the institutions: “Let us vaccinate the children – declares the President Paolo Biasci -. To this end, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health, which allows us to deal entirely with the National Vaccine Prevention Plan as well as with COVID vaccination when a vaccine for the pediatric age is available, but decisive input is needed to Regions, to put in motion implementing agreements at the local level. Let’s make sure that this week of awareness is not one of ritual complaints and good intentions, but an opportunity for effective interventions expected by us Family Pediatricians, but above all by the families we assist ”.
“There is no doubt that vaccination against Covid-19 is a priority – continues Biasci – but it is essential not to leave behind routine immunization which, if further neglected, could have serious and lasting repercussions on the health of our children. The World Health Organization itself had indicated the best way to avoid this scenario, recommending that vaccination administrations be matched with Health Reports. An important indication that in the Italian healthcare framework translates into entrusting this activity to the Pediatrics of the territory, present in a capillary way and professionally prepared to carry out this task. In those Regions and Provinces where we have already taken care of vaccinations, there are deep-rooted and widespread experiences of good practices and excellent health. We try to close the gap also denounced by the President of the Higher Institute of Health, Silvio Brusaferro, continuing to combine our commitment with the evident need to leave adequate resources to Public Hygiene to devote to containing the pandemic ”.
“We are ready to vaccinate parents and caregivers of fragile children against Covid-19 – he concludes Giorgio Conforti of the FIMP Vaccines Area – relieving the Prevention Services from the task throughout the national territory. In our over 7000 studies we continue to contribute to the maintenance of the Health System and when it becomes available, we will organize the administrations for the under 16s, accessing and updating the vaccination register in real time and thus strengthening the effectiveness of the prophylaxis campaigns. «Vaccines bring us closer», “Vaccines bring us closer” is the slogan of the World Week promoted by the WHO. Protecting children from diseases that it is possible not to contract simply thanks to a vaccine saves us human, social and economic costs. We avoid the suffering and complications of the little ones, the contagion of adults, the days of work lost by parents. We try to have a far-sighted vision on the future of children and the country ”.