Work

A 15‐year population‐based study on incidence and vaccination coverage in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Italy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Importance: The incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing worldwide, particularly after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. As children with IBD are at higher risk of infection, adherence to vaccination schedules is essential. However, data on the incidence of IBD and vaccination coverage in Italian children remain limited. Objective: To assess the incidence of IBD in children aged 0-14 years in the Apulia region of Italy (2009-2023) and to evaluate their vaccination coverage for both mandatory and recommended vaccines. Methods: A retrospective population-based study was conducted using hospital discharge records and a user fee exemption registry to identify incident IBD cases. Vaccination history was obtained from the regional immunization system. Age-standardized incidence rates (SIRs) were calculated. Vaccination coverage was assessed based on the receipt of all age-appropriate vaccines according to regional immunization schedules. Results: < 0.001), peaking in the 10-14 age group. Among the 259 patients assessed for vaccination coverage, the rates were high for hexavalent (100.0%) and pneumococcal vaccines (99.2%), moderate for rotavirus (82.5%) and meningococcal vaccines (79.9%), and lower for human papillomavirus (66.3% in females and 52.1% in males) and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis and inactivated polio vaccines (dTap-IPV) booster (30.2%). Influenza coverage in 2023/24 was 18.9%. Children with complex chronic conditions had lower uptake of measles, mumps, and rubella and dTap-IPV boosters. Interpretation: The incidence of pediatric IBD is increasing in Apulia, whereas vaccination coverage remains below optimal levels. Targeted strategies are needed to enhance immunization in this vulnerable population.

Source: Pediatric Investigation

DOI: 10.1002/ped4.70023

Authors: Francesca Fortunato, Angelo Campanozzi, Michele Di Toma, Alessandra Marinari, Domenico Martinelli

Institutions: University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia

Language: English

Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000