With the arrival of the winter season, the influenza virus is back in the spotlight. To better face this period, it is essential for the population to prepare and protect themselves through the influenza vaccination. The vaccination campaign has officially started and offers various ways to receive the vaccine.
Vaccination Methods
Citizens can choose to get vaccinated at their family doctor or pediatrician, or by visiting the vaccination centers of the Provincial Health Services Agency (Apss). Appointments can be made through the online CUP service or by using the TreC+ app. It is important to emphasize that there are no contraindications for those who wish to receive the updated anti-COVID-19 vaccine against the new Omicron variant JN.1 at the same time.
Campaign Presentation
The campaign was presented at a press conference by the general director of Apss, Antonio Ferro, and the director of the Prevention Department, Maria Grazia Zuccali, with the participation of the provincial health assessor Mario Tonina. During the meeting, Ferro highlighted how influenza can have a significant impact on public health, citing approximately 8,000 deaths per year in Italy due to this disease. The main objective of the campaign is to reduce the individual risk of illness and hospitalization, thereby protecting the most vulnerable segments of the population.
Vaccination Target
Maria Grazia Zuccali outlined the priority categories for the influenza vaccination. In particular, the aim is to achieve a coverage rate of 75% among those aged 65 and older, as outlined in the national vaccination plan. This year, special attention is also being paid to children aged 6 months to 6 years, who are often carriers of the virus within families. Approximately 100,000 doses of the vaccine will be available for specific high-risk categories.
Epidemiological Surveillance
To monitor the spread of influenza within the local population, a surveillance system involving “sentinel” doctors has been activated. These professionals will provide weekly data on the number of cases observed among their patients. This approach allows not only for mapping cases but also for making predictions regarding the intensity and duration of the influenza epidemic.
Importance of Vaccination
Assessor Mario Tonina emphasized the crucial importance of vaccination not only as an individual choice but as a collective responsible act towards the more vulnerable members of the community. Vaccination is an effective means to limit the spread of infectious diseases and protect those who are at greater risk.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
The influenza vaccination remains free for the elderly and all individuals at risk of complications from influenza. Recommended groups include:
- Doctors and healthcare personnel
- Individuals over 60 years old
- Pregnant women
- Children aged six months to six years
- Law enforcement and firefighters
- Social and healthcare workers
These categories can access the service offered by the Provincial Health Service for free.
How to Book
Vaccinations are already available through doctors and pediatricians or at the Apss centers in the area. Interested individuals must book through the TreC+ app or on the CUP website by following the simple steps indicated on the official portal. Children with chronic conditions will receive a personalized invitation letter to facilitate access to vaccination.
The influenza vaccination becomes effective approximately two weeks after administration, and it is advisable to start as soon as possible since influenza peaks tend to occur between late December and early February.
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