Italy will begin its seasonal influenza vaccination campaign in early October, aiming to reach at least 75% of vulnerable populations including the elderly and immunocompromised, according to a Ministry of Health circular issued to regional authorities. This follows a record-breaking flu season with over 16 million infections reported nationwide—the highest since the National Health Institute (ISS) began surveillance.
Free vaccines will be available for individuals over 60, children, chronic disease patients, pregnant women, and healthcare workers. Once priority groups are covered, doses will be offered to all requesting citizens. Vaccinations will be accessible through hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, and assisted living facilities nationwide.
The circular emphasizes urgent public communication efforts, noting influenza poses “a serious public health burden” with substantial direct and indirect costs. It warns that outbreaks cause high rates of school and workplace absenteeism, productivity losses, and emergency room overcrowding during peak transmission. While severe complications like pneumonia, myocarditis, and encephalitis disproportionately affect the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions, all demographics face risks. The estimated annual influenza mortality rate stands at 13.8 deaths per 100,000 people.
Current vaccination rates remain critically low: only 53.3% of over-65s and 18.9% of the general population were immunized during the 2023-2024 season—far below the National Vaccine Prevention Plan’s 2023-2025 targets of 75% minimum and 95% ideal coverage for seniors.