Description of an onsite school-based intervention aimed at increasing influenza vaccination uptake among children in an Italian Local Health Authority

Introduction. Onsite school-based intervention represents a key strategy to increase influenza vaccination uptake and improve knowledge of children, parents and school staff. This study aims to quantitatively describe an intervention in Local Health Authority Roma 1. Methods. Vaccination was offered to children aged 2-6 years. A quantitative descriptive analysis of vaccination coverage and population variables was performed. Results. 29 schools were included. Out of 2,424 eligible children, 405 were vaccinated (16.7%). Of these, 218 (53.8%) were male and 187 (46.2%) female, mean age 4.4 years old. 177 (43.7%) received one dose, while 228 (56.3%) were vaccinated for the first time. Of these, 150 students (65.8%) also received the second dose. 148 other people (parents, teachers and older children) decided to join the campaign, thus being vaccinated. Conclusions. Community-based interventions in school settings increase adherence to health promotion campaigns. It is necessary to continue researching and investing in such activities.