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Italy influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination rollout

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2026-10-24 11:44 UTC → 2026-10-26 15:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The 2026-2027 seasonal vaccination campaign in Italy, targeting influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), is underway following preparations in September. Ahead of the October rollout, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorized nine updated influenza vaccines based on WHO recommendations. Health experts warned of early respiratory infection risks due to temperature fluctuations, noting increased acute respiratory cases in Lombardy. Projections suggested between 12 and 14 million infections involving influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and rhinovirus. The campaign followed a phased approach starting October 1st, prioritizing high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 6 years, and individuals with chronic pathologies. Health experts, including Matteo Bassetti of Irccs San Martino, warned that the season might see fewer total cases but more severe illnesses, citing observations from Australia where lower infection rates were accompanied by increased hospitalizations. Circulating strains include H3N2 and H1N1. Regional implementation has expanded significantly. In ~~Piemonte, a free RSV immunization~~ Tuscany, the campaign ~~for infants has launched, utilizing monoclonal antibodies via subcutaneous injection~~ was accelerated due to ~~provide approximately five months~~ an early supply of ~~defense.~~ inactivated vaccines, allowing those aged 7 to 59 to access vaccinations starting October 21. In ~~Toscana,~~ Marche, officials ~~aim~~ have implemented a new recommendation for enhanced vaccines for individuals aged 60 to ~~match~~ 64. In Puglia, a ~~previous 93 percent coverage rate~~ major campaign is underway with approximately 900,000 doses, including 21,500 doses of antibodies for ~~RSV.~~ newborn RSV immunization. To address coverage gaps, the Ministry of Health launched a national communication campaign titled ‘The vaccine: the answer that protects you’. Pharmacies are playing a central role in distribution, though in some regions like Teramo, certain groups—including those under 18 or pregnant women—are excluded from pharmacy-based administration. As the rollout progresses, the COVID-19 component ~~is utilizing~~ utilizes vaccines adapted to the XFG variant. ~~In Emilia-Romagna, approximately 1.3 million influenza doses and 150,000 COVID-19 doses are available. To address coverage gaps, pharmaceutical provider~~ Csl Seqirus ~~announced it will~~ continues to supply approximately 7.5 million of the projected 14 million national influenza doses. Vito Ercole, country manager for Csl Seqirus Italy, noted that current vaccination coverage for those over 65 is approximately 52-53%, falling below the 75% minimum recommended by the WHO. To improve accessibility, regional initiatives are utilizing pharmacies in areas such as Arezzo and Teramo, while the Italian Red Cross is organizing sessions in Jesi.

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