The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccination strategy adopted by Tuscany in preventing cases of invasive meningococcal C disease.
Surveillance data for the calculation of disease incidence, immunization coverage with MCC vaccine and vaccination status of meningitis cases were collected from 2005 to 2011.
Incidence rates of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia decreased in all age groups involved in the immunization campaign, as a result of the progressively increasing vaccination coverage. Since 2006, no cases of invasive meningococcal C infection in vaccinated subjects were observed in Tuscany. A herd immunity effect was measured in unvaccinated age groups.
MCC vaccination implementation in Tuscany was successful in the prevention of meningococcal C disease. Our results should prompt all Italian Regions to consider introducing MCC vaccination in order to protect their population.