Gianfranco Pezzino, M.D., M.P.H.
Senior Fellow
- Contact Gianfranco
- Call: 785-233-5443
Gianfranco Pezzino, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Fellow, oversees a wide variety of projects, including supporting local health departments in their bioterrorism and emergency preparedness activities and investigating options to improve childhood immunization coverage rates in the state. He has worked in public health in several countries for more than 20 years. Prior to joining KHI, he served as the state epidemiologist with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Within that department, Pezzino also served as medical director for the state bioterrorism program.
He obtained his medical degree magna cum laude at the University of Bologna, Italy, and his master’s degree in public health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Recent Work
Scarce Resource Allocation Planning Documents for the State of Kansas
These two reports outline recommendations for developing protocols that health care and public health officials at the state, regional, and local levels could use during a public health emergency to maximize the number of lives saved. The reports were produced upon request from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The Private Immunization Delivery System for Children in Kansas
This update to a similar report from 2006 looks at the availability of private primary care clinics in Kansas that offer immunization services to children and identifies ways in which access to these services can be improved.
Federal Funding of Public Health Activities in Kansas
This report investigates how the levels of federal public health funding in Kansas compare with those in other states and identifies areas in which Kansas may have opportunities to expand funding.
Infant mortality in Kansas: We can do better
Kansas has the 18th highest infant mortality rate in the nation, with more than 300 infant deaths in 2008. The rate is higher than in many developing countries, including Cuba and Croatia.
Feasibility of a School-Based Influenza Vaccination Program in Kansas
This report, published by the Immunize Kansas Kids (IKK) project, found that school-based influenza immunization campaigns are a viable way to vaccinate large numbers of children in short periods of time.
Achieving and Sustaining High Vaccination Rates Among Kansas Children: An Action Plan
A newly-released report and issue brief details potential barriers to improving Kansas' childhood immunization rate and provides recommendations for policymakers, providers, parents and others.
Immunizing Children in Their Medical Home — Does it Make a Difference?
Children immunized in private clinics received more timely immunizations during the first year of life than those immunized in local health departments, but by 24 months of age, that difference disappears.
Testimony - 2008 SB 548: School-based influenza vaccination pilot program
In testimony to the House Health and Human Services Committee, KHI discussed the effectiveness of a school-based influenza vaccination program.
Testimony - 2008 SB 653: Appropriation for maternal and child health prenatal care
In testimony to the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Gianfranco Pezzino, M.D., M.P.H.,explains that the Infant Mortality Rate in Kansas is higher than the national average. He also lists some interventions that have been shown to be effective.
Testimony - 2008 SB 548 School-based influenza vaccination pilot program
In testimony to the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare, KHI discussed the effectiveness of a school-based influenza vaccination program.