As flu season draws near, getting vaccinated remains one of the most effective and beneficial ways to protect our community from the spread of Influenza.

Influenza, or more commonly known as the ”flu,” is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system and spreads through airborne droplets when a host coughs, sneezes, talks, or also through contaminated surfaces. Influenza viruses come in several different types (A, B and C) and, when in the body, attack cells in the nose, throat and lungs, take over their metabolic pathways to reproduce and kill or disable infected cells. This causes symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat and body aches, and in severe cases, it can even lead to pneumonia and dehydration.

The flu shot is a seasonal vaccine designed to protect against influenza strains expected each year. It uses dead or weakened pathogens that cannot cause the flu but contain antigens that can train the immune system to recognise and fight the virus. After the vaccination, the body will have now produced memory cells which then produce specific antibodies complementary to Influenza’s antigens, which can result in faster and stronger immune responses if ever exposed to the real virus. However, the flu viruses mutate quickly, meaning immunity from previous years becomes less effective.

The vaccine provides long-term active immunity, which reduces illness duration and lowers the risk of complications due to Influenza. Infection risk, symptom severity and community spread are all reduced due to the flu shot, helping protect the most at-risk individuals.

Children aged 6 months and older, adults (especially those over 60), pregnant individuals and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes should all get the flu shot, along with healthcare workers and those in high-contact environments.

About 53% (2023) of Italians aged 60+ are vaccinated against Influenza, but the overall vaccination rate of the general population is only around 20%.

In light of the upcoming flu season, the Italian Ministry of Health has made the flu vaccine free of charge for all those who require it. This is done to relieve the pressure hospitals are under during the winter and increase herd immunity. In Italy, vaccines can be accessed at local pharmacies, family doctors and paediatricians.

In Italy and globally, the Influenza vaccine remains one of the only tools to reduce seasonal illness. Through conversations with trusted adults, considering health advice and staying informed, everyone can make an informed decision.