Flu Vaccination Campaign 2026-2027: Pharmacy Access and Health Guidelines
Italy has launched its 2026-2027 influenza vaccination campaign, with participating pharmacies in Veneto beginning administrations on Monday, October 19, 2026, to protect high-risk groups and those over 60. The initiative utilizes pharmacies as proximity hubs where the flu shot can be an occasion to verify other indicated protections for elderly and fragile patients, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
- Pharmacies are now offering influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, alongside new options for pneumococcal and Tdpa (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) boosters.
- Vaccinations are free for citizens over 60 and specific high-risk groups aged 12-59, as mandated by the Ministry of Health.
The current campaign arrives as disease rates remain high. In the Lombardy region, specialists are reporting a concerning trend where nearly half of the elderly population remains unvaccinated despite free access to the serum, according to MonzaToday. This gap in coverage coincides with rising antibiotic resistance; data from Irccs San Gerardo dei Tintori indicates that approximately one in three strains of certain key bacteria in Lombardy now shows resistance to common hospital-grade antibiotics.
Pharmacy networks expand immunization services in Veneto and Trentino
In the Veneto region, pharmacies are expanding their clinical scope. Starting October 19, adhering pharmacies will provide not only influenza and COVID-19 vaccines but also conjugate pneumococcal vaccines and trivalent boosters against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, TrevisoToday reports. Andrea Bellon, president of Federfarma Veneto, stated that while the network is experienced in flu and COVID-19 delivery, some pharmacists are still completing training for the three new vaccine types, with full operational capacity expected by November.
Similar efforts are underway in the autonomous province of Trento. Antonio Ferro, general director of Asuit, noted that influenza causes approximately 8,000 deaths annually in Italy, creating a significant socio-economic burden. Asuit has deployed over 100,000 doses to ensure territorial coverage, with a primary goal of reaching a 75% vaccination rate among those over 65, per the National Vaccine Plan. In Trento, vaccinations began October 15 through Asuit centers, family doctors, pediatricians, and participating pharmacies.
Eligibility and costs for the 2026-2027 season
The Ministry of Health provides free vaccinations for individuals aged 60 and older, as well as those between 12 and 59 who fall into specific high-risk categories. For citizens aged 12 to 59 who do not qualify for free administration, the vaccine is available for a fee of 6.16 euros plus the public price of the vaccine, according to TrevisoToday.
Certain restrictions apply to pharmacy-based administration. Under current guidelines, individuals under 18 cannot be vaccinated in pharmacies, except for flu and COVID-19 shots, which are permitted from age 12. Other exclusions include individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions to vaccines or those identified with contraindications during the pre-vaccination triage. Extremely vulnerable patients—including those with severe respiratory, cardiac, or neurological diseases, organ transplants, or HIV—are excluded from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine specifically within the pharmacy setting.
Integrating respiratory protections for the fragile elderly
Claudio Mastroianni, a professor of Infectious Diseases at Sapienza University of Rome, argues that the flu shot appointment should serve as a trigger to verify protections against herpes zoster, pneumococcus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as reported by Mondosanità.
The risk is particularly acute for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure. Ministry of Health estimates indicate that among those over 60 in Italy, RSV results in approximately 290,000 cases, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 1,800 deaths annually. Massimo Andreoni, a member of the Superior Health Council, emphasized that the challenge is ensuring these tools reach the right people regardless of their region of residence to reduce regional health inequalities.
For a fragile elderly person, avoiding hospitalization can mean preserving the ability to walk, leave the house, manage the home, and maintain their relationships.
Vaccines take two weeks to become effective
Health authorities in Trentino highlight that the vaccine takes approximately two weeks to become effective and provides protection for up to six months. Because influenza peaks typically occur between December and February, early vaccination is critical to ensure maximum coverage during the epidemic window. This is especially vital for children aged six months to six years, which the province identifies as a key group for reducing family-based transmission.
Previous season's data highlight the urgency of this timing. In the Marca region, the 2025-2026 campaign ran from October 1, 2025, to April 7, 2026, resulting in 12,713 vaccinations administered through pharmacies, according to TrevisoToday.
As the healthcare system grapples with antibiotic resistance and aging populations, the role of the pharmacist has shifted from a dispenser of medication to a frontline clinical provider.
The ongoing effort to increase uptake among the elderly remains a primary hurdle. In Lombardy, the 2024/2025 campaign reached a coverage rate of 51.91% among those over 65, leaving nearly half of the most vulnerable population exposed to potential complications.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.