Liguria Region to Offer ⁤Free Flu⁣ Vaccines to⁣ All residents

Genoa, Italy -⁤ In a bold move to protect public health, the⁤ Liguria ‌region of ​Italy will offer free ⁤influenza vaccinations to all residents starting October 20th. the proclamation, made by Regional Councilor for Health Massimo Nicolò, marks a significant departure from previous‌ years, where vaccinations⁤ were primarily targeted towards vulnerable populations.

“This decision was⁤ made to dramatically increase vaccination rates,” explained​ Nicolò. “Historically, ⁢we’ve struggled to surpass⁣ 50% vaccination coverage. By extending free access to everyone, we​ aim​ to considerably reduce potential hospitalizations ​and, ultimately, improve⁤ the region’s ​overall health ​and economic well-being.”

The initiative is being spearheaded by‌ a dedicated task​ force led ⁢by Dr. Matteo Bassetti, Director of ​the Infectious Diseases Clinic ​at ​San Martino Hospital in Genoa. ⁤ The ⁢task force⁣ will also⁣ include epidemiological monitoring led⁤ by giancarlo​ Icardi, Director of Hygiene at the same hospital.Thier ​focus will ⁣be on ‌ensuring a smooth and effective ‌vaccination campaign, covering vaccine supply,⁢ logistics, public ⁣data, and clinical management ⁢of influenza cases both within hospitals and throughout the community.

While the main campaign launches on october 20th, preparations ‌are already underway for ⁢children​ under nine who‌ have never ⁣been​ vaccinated. Appointments are‌ being ​scheduled as of today, ‍September 29th, to⁢ provide early protection for⁣ this ​vulnerable group.

dr.Bassetti emphasized the urgency of the⁤ situation, citing data from Australia. ‌”we’ve been closely monitoring the ⁢influenza trends ‌in australia, and the numbers are ​concerning. Liguria has a ‌especially aging‍ population, making ‌our region especially susceptible ⁢to​ severe complications from the flu.Thus,​ we beleive ‌widespread vaccination is crucial, ‍not just for those at high risk,⁤ but for the ⁤entire population.”

To ‌maximize ⁣accessibility, vaccinations will be available‍ not only at pharmacies, local health authorities ​(ASL), and ‍through pediatricians​ and general practitioners, but also ⁣in convenient​ locations such as‌ shopping centers and⁣ supermarkets. This​ widespread availability aims to remove​ barriers to vaccination and ⁣encourage maximum participation.

This proactive approach by the Liguria region demonstrates⁣ a commitment to preventative healthcare and a determination to mitigate the potential ⁤impact of a ⁣challenging influenza ‍season.