SItI Congress discusses the future of vaccine prevention in Italy

At the 59th National Congress of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SItI) in Genoa, experts addressed the critical role of vaccination throughout the human lifespan. Key discussions focused on the necessity of protecting vulnerable populations, including infants against pneumococcal disease and the elderly against influenza and COVID-19 to prevent the worsening of chronic conditions.

Experts highlighted challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and the need for equitable access to immunization services. Data presented indicated that for the 2024-25 season, only 52.5% of Italians over 65 were vaccinated against influenza. The congress also explored technological innovations, such as the use of MF59 adjuvants to strengthen immune responses in vulnerable individuals, and emphasized the importance of personalized vaccination schedules based on age, occupation, and travel needs.

In regional contexts, vaccination campaigns are actively rolling out. In Gallura, campaigns for influenza and COVID-19 are scheduled to begin on October 26, offering combined doses with pneumococcal or Herpes Zoster vaccines. Meanwhile, in Benevento, authorities confirmed the availability of influenza vaccines in local pharmacies to ensure the continuity of the vaccination campaign.