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The vaccines ordered by the Regions this year are many: 16.7 million. Last year, for comparison, 10 million were made. The fear of Italians and the field of Local Health Authorities and Regions is expected to increase the membership, which in recent times had been low. Some local authorities would like to order even more lots, but now it is very difficult to find them. Pharmaceutical companies receive requests from all countries above the usual, so they cannot increase supplies. Some of us are also trying it with China, for example Lombardy.
Since the public service has ordered virtually every available dose, there are none left for pharmacies, where those who do not receive the free ASL vaccine go to their GP. The order of these professionals and also the union associations have been complaining for days and even held a meeting in the ministry in which it seemed that the solution was near. Yesterday, however, the State-Regions conference closed the agreement to review the proportion of doses of influenza vaccines that will be allocated to the local system. It has decided to give 1.5% to individuals, which is equivalent to about 250,000 doses. Very few for the order, Federfarma and Assofarm. “Between 1.2 and 1.5 million are needed,” the pharmacists protest. Last year around 800 thousand were bought. This year, however, in many Regions it is believed that once the vaccination of risk subjects is finished, there will still be doses available to doctors, who will be able to do those who do not belong to the protected categories.
The president of the State-Regions conference Stefano Bonaccini explains that: “Every year 800 thousand citizens who do not fall into the categories for which vaccination is recommended continue to go to the pharmacist to buy the vaccine on their own. Since the recommendation of the vaccine, the fight against influenza this year has been expanded to age categories not previously included, the Regions have provided and are anticipating a greater purchase of vaccines, so a redistributive intervention of the Regions is now necessary to have a minimum percentage. , 1.5 percent, (possibly increased by individual Regions) in pharmacies. The only condition that we have set and on which we have had guarantees from the Government is that the amount necessary for the categories at risk is insured in any case ”.
Bonaccini also recalls why the flu vaccination campaign is important this year. “Influenza vaccination, although not 100% effective, can help reduce the burden of disease in the population and this is even more important if we consider the case in which influenza and Covid-19 are present simultaneously in a community. Containing the number of cases of influenza facilitates the differential diagnosis and avoids overloading the health system ”.
The Ministry of Health already in June issued a circular to dictate the rules of the new vaccination campaign. Here is a vademecum based on that document and regional measures
How many doses have Regions purchased this year?
16.7 million, but some Regions would be willing to increase their participation.
When does the campaign start?
Regions were asked to anticipate times compared to recent years. Hopefully we should leave in the first half of October.
Until when can it be vaccinated?
If the campaign is well attended, it will take weeks to vaccinate everyone. It will not be a problem because the peak of the flu in recent years occurred between January and February.
How long after the injection is covered?
The vaccine takes 10-15 days to work.
For whom is the vaccine recommended and therefore free?
This year the age of those who are entitled to the vaccine has been lowered from 65 to 60 years, as they are considered fragile. Theoretically, it is about 4 million more people to vaccinate. The Regions also had the opportunity to recommend vaccination from 6 months to 6 years, an opportunity that only some local administrations take advantage of. In addition, people with certain diseases of any age, and those who work in services considered essential, for example in the health field, also receive the vaccine for free.
Are there any requirements for the flu vaccine?
Only Lazio has provided for it in an ordinance of April 17 in which vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus is mandatory for those over 65 and for all health personnel. The TAR has recently rejected requests to suspend this act.
What was the coverage last year?
Approximately 55% of those over 65 years of age.
What is the goal of this year’s vaccination campaign?
According to WHO, to have good coverage that significantly reduces the circulation of the virus, at least 75% of people at risk must be reached. However, the ideal diffusion is considered to be 95%, which is impossible to achieve.
Who administers the vaccine?
As always, family doctors but also local health authorities. In certain regions, pediatricians have also participated.
How much does the vaccine cost at the pharmacy?
The price, depending on the brands, should not exceed 25 euros.
