A Case-Control Study on the Effectiveness of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination Against Hospitalizations in an Endemic Area in Northeastern Italy.
Vaccines·
- DOI
- 10.3390/vaccines14020164
- PMID
- 41746084
- PMCID
- PMC12944975
- OpenAlex
- W7128492157
- Study type
- Case-control study
- Publisher
- Publisher unavailable
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
The documentation underscores the value of immunization strategies in reducing severe disease outcomes within affected communities. Regional variations in coverage indicate opportunities for targeted outreach initiatives to improve community protection.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
What is the protective impact of the tick-borne encephalitis immunization regimen in preventing severe disease requiring medical admission among residents of a recognized endemic zone in northeastern Italy?
Study design
The investigation employed a case-control methodology utilizing linked regional health records spanning seven years. Participants were stratified based on hospitalization status following laboratory confirmation of infection.
Population and setting
The analysis focused on inhabitants of the Udine province within the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, which is classified as an endemic zone for the pathogen.
Main findings
Individuals receiving three or more vaccine doses demonstrated a substantially reduced likelihood of hospital admission compared to those without immunization. Provincial coverage reached approximately ten percent, with notably higher rates recorded in elevated geographic districts.
Public-health relevance
The documentation underscores the value of immunization strategies in reducing severe disease outcomes within affected communities. Regional variations in coverage indicate opportunities for targeted outreach initiatives to improve community protection.
Important limitations
The evaluation was constrained by a limited number of confirmed hospitalization events.
GIDS interpretation
This publication offers background information on regional immunization practices and documented protection levels against severe neurological infections. It serves as a reference point for understanding historical prevention efforts rather than indicating current outbreak dynamics.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 8 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.