Flu Vaccination Campaign Underway in ASL Toscana Centro, Targeting Vulnerable Groups
Florence, Italy - The annual influenza vaccination campaign has officially launched across the ASL Toscana Centro territory, with a focus on protecting high-risk individuals and bolstering community health. Approximately 420,000 doses have been requested for distribution across the Pistoia,empolese,Fiorentina,and Prato areas.
The campaign prioritizes several key groups, including individuals with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems, pregnant women (both during and post-partum), children aged 6 months to 6 years, specific categories of workers, and blood donors.
A strong network of over 1,200 general practitioners and pediatricians of free choice are collaborating to ensure widespread access to the vaccine. Vaccinations have already begun in residential Social Healthcare Facilities (RSA) as of October 1st, with doctors and ASL staff administering the doses.
Starting October 6th, vaccinations will be available to recommended individuals at family doctors’ clinics, pediatricians’ offices, and participating pharmacies. Special attention will be given to those over the age of sixty.
This year, citizens will also have the option to receive both the flu vaccine and the anti-SARS-cov-2 vaccine concurrently at designated vaccination centers within the ASL Toscana Centro’s public hygiene and nutrition units. Appointments for combined vaccinations can be booked through the regional “Booking vaccine” website: https://www.uslcentro.toscana.it/index.php/sedi-territoriali. Additional vaccination points will be established in social health districts and hospital facilities for healthcare professionals.
Last season (2023-2024), the ASL Toscana Centro saw a notable uptake in vaccinations, administering 417,759 flu doses – an increase from the 389,499 doses given in the 2022-2023 campaign. Breakdowns by area include: Pistoia (43,918 doses), Valdinievole (27,299 doses), Empolese (58,777 doses), Florence (106,158 doses), North West (51,310 doses), Fiorentina South East (48,759 doses), Mugello (15,936 doses), and Prato (65,566 doses). 110,179 anti-COVID vaccine doses were also administered.
“The vaccination campaign is a essential appointment for citizens and for all healthcare professionals,” stated Lorenzo Roti, Health Director of the ASL Toscana Centro. “Because it represents an effective prevention tool,with positive repercussions on the entire community. Also this year we invite the population to maximum adhesion, to protect itself, reduce the risks of contagion and contribute to collective well-being.”
