Eight Good Reasons for Careful Monitoring and Evaluation of the Vaccine Campaign against COVID-19: Lessons Learned through the Lombardy Experience for Dealing with Next Challenges

Using the knowledge gained during the first eleven months of the vaccine campaign in Lombardy, Italy, we provide an overview of the benefits of using reliable, complete, and rapidly available observational data to monitor the progress of the vaccine strategy. A population-based platform was implemen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2022-01, Vol.19 (3), p.1073
Main Authors: Corrao, Giovanni, Bertolaso, Guido, Pavesi, Giovanni, Moratti, Letizia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccines
Disease
Emigration
Health risks
Health services
Health services utilization
Humans
Immunization
Infections
Observational studies
Pandemics
Patients
Population
Risk analysis
Risk factors
SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Vaccines
Viral diseases
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Summary:Using the knowledge gained during the first eleven months of the vaccine campaign in Lombardy, Italy, we provide an overview of the benefits of using reliable, complete, and rapidly available observational data to monitor the progress of the vaccine strategy. A population-based platform was implemented by linking four registries reporting individual data on: (i) date, type, and dose of vaccine dispensed; (ii) SARS-CoV-2 infections and hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19; (iii) inpatient diagnoses and outpatient services supplied by the Regional Health Services (RHS); and the (iv) health registry reporting and updating data on patient status. Background, methods, findings, and implications of eight COVID-19 relevant questions are reported. Before starting the vaccine campaign, we identified high-risk individuals who need to be prioritized. During the vaccine campaign, we: (i) monitored the trend in the speed of the vaccine campaign progression and the number of prevented clinical outcomes; (ii) verified that available vaccines work in real-life, assessed their effectiveness-harm profile, and measured their reduced effectiveness against the delta variant. Finally, we studied the reduced effectiveness of the vaccine over time and identified risk factors of post-vaccine infection and severe illness. The correct use of rapidly available observational data of good quality and completeness generates reliable evidence to promptly inform patients and policymakers.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph19031073