Integrating Digital Health Solutions with Immunization Strategies: Improving Immunization Coverage and Monitoring in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Grazia Pavia,
Francesco Branda,
Alessandra Ciccozzi,
Chiara Romano,
Chiara Locci,
Ilenia Azzena,
Noemi Pascale,
Nadia Marascio,
Angela Quirino,
Giovanni Matera,
Marta Giovanetti,
Marco Casu,
Daria Sanna,
Giancarlo Ceccarelli,
Massimo Ciccozzi,
Fabio Scarpa
Affiliations
Grazia Pavia
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Francesco Branda
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Alessandra Ciccozzi
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Chiara Romano
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Chiara Locci
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Ilenia Azzena
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Noemi Pascale
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Nadia Marascio
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Angela Quirino
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Giovanni Matera
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Marta Giovanetti
Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Marco Casu
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Daria Sanna
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Giancarlo Ceccarelli
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Massimo Ciccozzi
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Fabio Scarpa
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of vaccination to global health security and highlighted the potential of digital health solutions to improve immunization strategies. This article explores integrating digital health technologies with immunization programs to improve coverage, monitoring, and public health outcomes. It examines the current landscape of digital tools used in immunization initiatives, such as mobile health apps, electronic health records, and data analytics platforms. Case studies from different regions demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, logistics, and real-time monitoring of vaccine distribution and adverse events. The paper also examines ethical considerations, data privacy issues, and the need for a robust digital infrastructure to support these innovations. By analyzing the successes and limitations of digital health interventions in immunization campaigns during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we provide recommendations for future integration strategies to ensure resilient and responsive immunization systems. This research aims to guide policymakers, health professionals, and technologists in leveraging digital health to strengthen immunization efforts and prepare for future public health emergencies.
