Flu vaccine: here’s everything you need to know

Influenza vaccines begin to arrive in Italian regions. The campaign for the prevention of seasonal disease starts in October almost everywhere. This year a lot has been invested in making it because there is a fear of confusing it with Covid and therefore it is considered necessary to minimize the cases. The doses requested from the industry were almost 17 million, that is about 7 million more than those used last year, but in certain areas of the country the health authorities would be willing to buy more. The problem is that with the huge demand all over the world, the industry is unable to increase supplies too much.

Chronicle

Influenza vaccine, battle between Regions and pharmacies: “To private individuals only 250 thousand doses”

by MICHELE BOCCI
–

Who is eligible for the free vaccine?
According to the June circular of the Ministry of Health all those who are over 60 (and no more than 65 as in previous years) and those with important health problems, which make them fragile in the face of flu. The ministry has also given the possibility to extend the vaccine recommendation, and therefore the free, to children from 6 months to 6 years. There are very few regions that have also included this category among those at risk.

rep

Comment

Flu, because the vaccine belongs to everyone

by DANIELA MINERVA
–

Where is the vaccine made?
Generally it can be requested directly from the family doctor, to whom the local health authorities deliver the vaccine stocks necessary for his fragile clients. Certain regions also vaccinate in their territorial structures, that is, the local health authorities, or in pharmacies. However, for the citizen, the best thing is to inquire with the doctor. Sometimes professionals who share a study organize days to vaccinate all their patients in which there is a doctor in turn.

Salute

Coronavirus: The flu vaccine does not increase risks

–

Can anyone who is not at risk have the vaccine?
The ministry has foreseen that once people considered at risk have been vaccinated, the doses that will be left over can always be distributed free of charge to those who do not fall within the protected categories. Last year the coverage of over 65s was 55% and this year it will certainly not reach 100%. Therefore it is believed that there will be several hundred thousand doses to be distributed.

Is there a requirement for an influenza vaccine?
Only Lazio has foreseen this in an ordinance of 17 April in which vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus is made mandatory for the over 65 and for all health personnel. The TAR has recently blocked the resolution of the Region.

Can the vaccine be made for a fee at the pharmacy?
As the public service this year required the industry to deliver all the doses it had available, only a few hundred thousand remained for pharmacies. Trade associations and the pharmacists’ association protested because they want more than the few hundred thousand expected, at least 1.2-1.5 million.

How much does the vaccine cost at the pharmacy?
The price varies depending on the company that produces it, but should not exceed 25 euros.

Until when can you be vaccinated?
If the campaign is well attended, it will take weeks to vaccinate everyone. It won’t be a problem because the flu’s peak in recent years came in January-February.

Salute

Coronavirus, fewer deaths where more vaccinated against the flu

by SIMONE VALESINI
–

How long after the injection are you covered?
It takes 10-15 days for the vaccine to take effect.

What is the goal of this year’s vaccination campaign?
According to the WHO, in order to have a good coverage that significantly lowers the circulation of the virus, at least 75% of people at risk must be reached. The ideal diffusion, however, is considered that of 95%, impossible to achieve.

– .