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The 2020/2021 flu season has already arrived, even before its time: the first case in Italy was diagnosed in a 9-month-old baby in Parma. With the reopening of schools and the arrival of the first cold, we are already attending one co-circulation of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2.
Something that worries everyone a bit, especially due to the difficulty of distinguishing the symptoms between the two, often overlapping, although we may have some useful indicators, as we have explored here at QuiFinanza.
You already registered one strong growth in demand for influenza vaccine local health authorities, where dose distribution in various regions has already started. The demand for assisted family doctors, according to the Federation of General Practitioners, went from 52% in 2019 to 80-90% this year.
Why getting a flu shot is important
in a circular published last June 4, he Ministry of Health explained that this year more than ever, just for distinguish similar symptoms between flu and Covid, it is necessary to reiterate the importance of influenza vaccination, particularly in high-risk people of all ages, to simplify the diagnosis and management of suspected cases.
Not only. The benefit of the flu shot is also that it allows you reduce complications it gives flu to those at risk and, consequently, access to the emergency room with possible hospital jams. We know that many Italian regions have already prepared emergency management plans to strengthen intensive care in the area and increase the number of beds in the various departments.
Vaccine news 2020/2021
The coverage targets, for all target groups, are 75% as the minimum achievable target and 95% as the optimal target. The novelties of this year are two:
- Due to the Coronavirus emergency, this year’s flu vaccine also recommended for children from 6 months to 6 years, they have no contraindications to the vaccine. In babies younger than 6 months, the flu vaccine is not sufficiently immunogenic and therefore does not provide enough protection. Therefore, immunization with currently available influenza vaccines is not authorized or recommended for infants younger than 6 months of age; is
- to all subjects 60 years of age or older (In addition, as usual, to patients with chronic diseases and over 65 years). To promote an extension of the vaccination plan and facilitate the differential diagnosis in the age groups at higher risk of serious disease, the Minister of Health Roberto Speranza the vaccine is free even in the 60-64 age group, as well as from 65 years.
Regarding the health and socio-health professions that work in contact with patients, and the elderly institutionalized in residential or long-term care centers, vaccination is highly recommended due to a legislative initiative that requires it.
The categories for which the vaccine is always recommended and free.
Here is the list of categories for which seasonal influenza vaccination is actively recommended and offered free of charge.
People at high risk for flu-related complications or hospitalizations:
- women who at the beginning of the epidemic season are in pregnancy or postpartum period
- subjects from 6 months to 65 years with pathologies that increase the risk of complications from
influenza:
– chronic diseases of the respiratory system (including severe asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive bronchopathy – COPD);
– diseases of the cardiocirculatory system, including congenital and acquired heart disease;
– diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases (including obese people with a BMI> 30 body mass index);
– chronic renal / adrenal insufficiency;
– diseases of the hematopoietic organs and hemoglobinopathies;
– tumors and chemotherapy treatment;
– congenital or acquired diseases involving poor antibody production, drug- or HIV-induced immunosuppression;
– chronic inflammatory diseases and intestinal malabsorption syndromes;
– pathologies for which major surgical interventions are planned;
– pathologies associated with an increased risk of aspiration of respiratory secretions (for example, neuromuscular diseases);
– Chronic liver diseases. - subjects 65 years or older
- children and adolescents in treatment long-term with acetylsalicylic acid, at risk of Reye’s syndrome in case of influenza infection
- people of any age admitted to long-term care facilities
- family members and contacts (adults and children) of high-risk individuals complications, regardless of whether the person at risk has been vaccinated or not.
Subjects employed in public services of primary collective interest and categories of workers:
- doctors and health personnel care at facilities that, through their activities, can transmit the flu to people at high risk of flu complications.
- police force
- firefighters
- others socially useful categories who could benefit from vaccination, for reasons related to the performance of their work
- It is a widespread international practice to offer a free, active influenza vaccine by employers to particularly exposed workers by activity carried out and in order to contain negative effects on productivity.
Personnel who, for work reasons, are in contact with animals that could be a source of infection by non-human influenza viruses:
- Breeders
- breeding staff
- those involved in the transport of live animals
- killers and vaccinators
- public and autonomous veterinarians.
Blood donors
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