Italy launches 2026-2027 influenza vaccination campaign

The Italian Ministry of Health has launched a national communication campaign to promote seasonal influenza vaccination, using the slogan ‘The vaccine: the answer that protects you’. Health Minister Orazio Schillaci and Undersecretary Marcello Gemmato are encouraging citizens, particularly the elderly and those with chronic conditions, to participate in the prevention efforts.

To support the campaign, pharmacies across various regions are playing a central role. In the Marche region, Federfarma Marche is distributing information to highlight pharmacies as accessible health hubs, with a regional plan to provide 375,100 doses. In Teramo, 60 pharmacies across 32 municipalities will offer vaccinations starting in November. These services are free for high-risk categories identified by the Ministry, though certain restrictions apply in pharmacy settings: individuals under 18, pregnant or postpartum women, and those who have never been vaccinated previously are excluded from pharmacy-based administration.

Nationally, approximately 14 million influenza vaccine doses are expected for the 2026-2027 season. Csl Seqirus has indicated it will provide 7.5 million of these doses.