DECISIONAL AID TOOL FOR VACCINE POLICY IN LOMBARDIA, ITALY

Background_Development of new vaccines in the health market arena challenges the current national immunization program, in that it raises the concern of fruitfully prioritizing investments. Aim of the present research is to develop a transparent, simple, and comprehensive standard framework for an evidence-based assessment of specific arguments for the inclusion and prioritization of new vaccines in the regional immunization program. The decisional aid tool should act as a guide to consistently inform the policy makers of Regione Lombardia, by following a systematic approach. Methods_ Research consists of the following phases: a) literature review; b) building of a decisional tool aid; c) refinement of the tool; d) application of the tool (pilot study on varicella infection vaccine). Results_ According to literature review findings our model purposes a hierarchical approach in five steps: safety, medical-socio-sanitary aspects, cost-efficacy analysis, other implementation-related aspects and priority. For each step methods and indicators are provided. Some concerns rise in the pilot study when dealing with both the STEP 3 and 4, which require further investigation and action. Conclusions_ Regional Prevention Plan 2010-2012 set between the priority the importance of a rational decision making process: our decisional aid tool should be used routinely accompanied by the establishment of a technical board.