Chiara Nava The 2026-2027 flu season is approaching, and Italy is preparing for the new vaccination campaign. The Italian Medicines Agency has authorized nine influenza vaccines , updated based on circulating viral strains and World Health Organization recommendations. Regional vaccination campaigns are recommended starting in early October, although individual regions will define the specific methods and organization of administration.
Among the available formulations is the nasal spray vaccine , indicated for children and adolescents aged 2 to 18. The other products are administered by injection. Some formulations are specifically intended for older age groups: Efluelda is indicated for use from 60 years of age , while Fluad can be used from 50 years of age.
Other vaccines can also be administered, depending on the specific formulation, to children starting from 6 months.
Free flu vaccine: who is eligible?
Vaccination is recommended and offered free of charge to those groups considered a priority by the Ministry of Health. This includes all people aged 60 and over , pregnant women and women in the postpartum period, and children between 6 months and 6 years of age.
The free offer also includes people with conditions that may increase the risk of complications from influenza, residents of long-term care facilities, and family members of particularly vulnerable individuals. Various professional categories are also included, starting with those employed in public services of primary collective interest, including healthcare and social care workers, police forces, and firefighters . The list also includes other categories of particularly exposed workers, workers in contact with animals that could potentially be a source of non-human influenza viruses, and blood donors.
It should be noted that not all nine vaccines authorized by AIFA are necessarily available on the market . The Regions, through their procurement procedures, identify from among the available products those that will be used in their respective campaigns for free supply under the National Health Service.
When to start getting vaccinated: there's no need to wait for the cold weather
The Ministry of Health recommends starting regional campaigns in early October , offering vaccination to eligible individuals throughout the flu season, including those who develop the disease later. This may be particularly important during a late flu season or for individuals in at-risk groups. For this reason, it is not necessary to wait for cooler temperatures before getting vaccinated. The circulation of influenza viruses does not depend solely on the weather: the reopening of schools and the resumption of social interaction, especially indoors, can also favor the spread of infections.
Another factor to consider is the time it takes for the body to develop an immune response after vaccination . It typically takes several days for adequate protection to develop. For those in the categories for whom vaccination is recommended and offered free of charge, it is therefore recommended to schedule vaccination at the start of the campaign, without necessarily waiting until the arrival of midwinter. The goal of the campaign remains to reduce the risk of influenza and, above all, its complications in those most exposed. AIFA also reminds that vaccination is the main prevention measure, along with good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and ventilating closed spaces.