Italy to launch 2026-2027 influenza vaccination campaign in October

The Italian Ministry of Health has announced that the 2026-2027 influenza vaccination campaign is scheduled to begin in early October, coinciding with the 40th week of the year. The timing aims to ensure population protection before the peak circulation of respiratory viruses, which typically intensifies during the winter months.

Health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination for high-risk groups to prevent complications. In Europe, seasonal influenza is estimated to cause between 4 and 50 million symptomatic cases annually, affecting 10% to 30% of the population and resulting in hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and a mortality rate of approximately 13.8 deaths per 100,000 people.

Additionally, health experts note that the transition from summer to autumn in September often leads to an increase in respiratory issues. While temperature fluctuations do not directly cause illness, they can dehydrate nasal and pharyngeal mucosa and impair mucociliary clearance, making it easier for viruses like rhinovirus and influenza to enter the body. The return to crowded indoor environments, such as schools and offices, further increases the risk of contagion.