Influenza vaccine available from early October, target 75% minimum

According to the Ministry of Health's guidelines contained in a circular sent to the Regions, seasonal flu vaccination will begin in early October, with the goal of reaching at least 75% of the population at risk: the elderly and vulnerable. Last flu season reached a record number of infections in our country, exceeding 16 million, according to the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità). This number represents the highest ever recorded by the ISS surveillance system. The vaccine will be offered free of charge to those over 60, children, chronically ill people, pregnant women, and healthcare workers, but also, "after meeting the priorities," to anyone who requests it.

Vaccination will be available in all healthcare settings, such as hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, and assisted living facilities. The circular also emphasizes the need for a strong push for public communication. "Influenza," the circular states, "represents a serious public health problem and a significant source of direct and indirect costs for managing cases and complications of the disease and implementing control measures. It is among the few infectious diseases that virtually everyone experiences multiple times throughout their lives, regardless of lifestyle, age, or location."

Epidemics can cause high levels of absenteeism from school and work and losses in productivity. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for influenza can increase during peak illnesses. Elderly people, young children, pregnant women, and people with impaired immune response or chronic diseases are more susceptible to severe illness, but the entire population can develop serious complications, including pneumonia, myocarditis, and encephalitis, which can lead to death. The estimated overall influenza-related mortality rate is 13.8 deaths per 100,000 people each year.

Vaccination coverage in Italy is far below targets: in the 2023-2024 season, it was 53.3% among those over 65 and only 18.9% among the general population. The 2023-2025 National Vaccination Prevention Plan sets a minimum target of 75% among the elderly and an ideal of 95%.