The flu vaccination campaign is underway, but pharmacies do not have the doses

VENICE – The campaign begins vaccine versus the flu with the Federation of Family Physicians (Fimmg) which in recent days has designated October 12 as the day to start the administration to patients in outpatient clinics. But if for the categories at risk that have the right to free access, this year, due to the coexistence of Covid-19, the Ulss considerably increases the number of doses available to family doctors – from 102 thousand to 167 thousand, plus 40 % – a serious problem for pharmacy that still do not have certainty about their supplies, to be distributed for a fee to other users.

All this while, in general, the request for the vaccine has increased exponentially precisely because the coronavirus health emergency is pushing even those who have never done prophylaxis in the past to request it for the first time.
There are three types of vaccines: the trivalent adjuvant for people over 65 years of age, the quadrivalent for the range 6 months to 64 years, the quadrivalent for those allergic to eggs and the special categories. As we said, the vaccine is given free of charge to those who fall into a risk category, this year with two important novelties: no longer from 65 years, but already from 60 (the elderly can also receive the vaccine pneumococcal) and for the pediatric range between 6 months and 6 years. And then again: pregnant women, chronically ill at risk of complications, patients hospitalized in long-term care facilities, doctors and health workers – usually, it would not be said, they are the most refractory – the employees of a public service. and blood donors. The campaign is decisive for at least three reasons, according to the health company: Covid and the flu will have an overlap of symptoms and it is essential that many people get vaccinated to simplify the diagnosis and management of suspected cases; It is important that those at risk get vaccinated especially because the more people who join, the more complications from influenza will be reduced; It is appropriate that the flu does not aggravate the work of general practitioners, local medical care, hospital emergency rooms. Without forgetting that, according to some studies carried out at an international level, the flu vaccine could provide more protection against the risk of contagion by Covid.
“Our aim is to repeat the good coverage results obtained in recent years and improve them, in particular with regard to fragile people – declares the general director of Ulss Giuseppe Dal Ben – Last year in our territory coverage was achieved of 54.7% among those over 65 years of age, thus obtaining the third best figure in the Ulss of Veneto, higher than the regional average which was 53.9%. Vaccination is a gesture of sharing, because those who get vaccinated protect themselves and at the same time, all the people who get vaccinated create a barrier to disease. We need civic sense, responsibility and rigorous behavior». As of October 12, the campaign is at least three weeks earlier than before when it started after the early November holidays. Family doctors are preparing: this year appointments will be made in compliance with the anti-Covid regulations and there are those who, not having enough space in the clinic, are already looking for alternative solutions, such as borrowing some rooms from an oratory. parochial. Last updated: 08:16


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