Seasonal Flu Vaccine In Italy 2024: Everything You Need To Know

As flu season approaches, getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you. The seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine plays a crucial role in preventing flu-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and complications. Everyone 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to reducing the spread of flu viruses.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the flu vaccine in Italy for 2024, including why it’s essential and who should get vaccinated.

Get vaccinated before flu season starts to ensure maximum protection.

Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which circulate worldwide. In temperate climates like Italy, flu season typically occurs in the winter, while in tropical regions, the flu can occur year-round with irregular outbreaks. According to the **Italian Ministry of Health**, these annual epidemics cause an estimated 3 to 5 million severe cases and between 290,000 and 650,000 respiratory-related deaths globally each year.

Getting the flu vaccine provides several key benefits:

1. It can prevent you from getting sick with the flu.
2. Flu vaccines prevent millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits annually. .
3. When the flu vaccine closely matches the circulating flu viruses, it has been shown to reduce the risk of needing a doctor’s visit for the flu by 40% to 60%.

Influenza is not just a common cold; it is a potentially serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death in severe cases. Every flu season is different, but flu infections can impact individuals differently, depending on their overall health. Each year, millions of people worldwide catch the flu, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands die from flu-related complications. Flu can mean missing work, school, or important family events due to illness—or in more serious cases, it can result in prolonged illness or hospitalization.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every flu season, except for rare exceptions. Getting vaccinated is especially important for those at higher risk of serious flu complications, such as:

– Pregnant women

– Children under the age of 5

– Adults over the age of 65

– People with chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)

By vaccinating yourself and your family, you help protect those who are most vulnerable to flu-related complications. Remember, flu season can start as early as October, so it’s best to *get vaccinated before flu season starts* to ensure you have full protection throughout the season.

If you’re in Rome or Florence, Medinaction offers flu shots at home. Our doctors will come to your house, office, or workplace to administer the vaccine. Click the button below to book your appointment.