From October 1st, the free immunization campaign against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also starts this year in Tuscany, responsible for most bronchiolitis cases in children and causing even severe infections especially in the first year of life. The influenza vaccination campaign begins on October 7th.
“These are two fundamental tools for prevention and health protection, both for the individual and for the community,” comments the regional health councilor, Monia Monni. “They protect against the most severe forms of illness, help safeguard the most fragile and vulnerable people, and reduce the need for care and hospitalizations: an advantage for people’s health but also with a positive impact on the sustainability of the regional health service.”
The offer, also for the 2026-2027 season, will be widespread and free, aimed at different population groups.
The vaccine for the syncytial virus
For the syncytial virus, the campaign targets children born from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, regardless of the presence of concomitant pathologies and possible prematurity. As in the previous season, immunization will also be offered to specific categories of children at high risk of complications from the virus infection. Children born from April 1 to September 30, 2026, will receive a call at the offices of their chosen pediatricians. Those born from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, will be immunized at birth centers before hospital discharge. The offer will be further integrated by the Vaccination Centers of the Prevention Departments of the Local Health Authorities (ASL). In the 2025-2026 campaign, coverage was 93 percent, up three points from the previous one. The goal is to replicate those results, thanks to the synergy of all actors involved. Families are invited to participate in the immunization campaign, as it represents an important opportunity to protect children’s health and, in particular, the population groups most vulnerable to severe forms of infection.
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The influenza vaccine
For influenza, the first to be vaccinated from October 7 will be residents of healthcare facilities (RSA). From October 14, it will be the turn of children from six months to six years old and adults aged sixty or older. From November 11, free vaccination will be available for all other categories provided by the annual ministerial circular, namely fragile and chronically ill subjects regardless of age, pregnant women, healthcare and social healthcare personnel (including students in training), essential service workers, blood donors, workers in contact with animals, and family members and cohabitants of people at high risk of complications. Vaccination will be carried out by general practitioners and chosen pediatricians. People aged sixty and over can also book vaccination at affiliated pharmacies that have activated the service.
The anti-Covid vaccine
The anti-Covid-19 vaccination campaign will start as soon as the Region receives from the Ministry of Health the indications on vaccine dose delivery and the annual ministerial circular is issued, which defines who the vaccination is recommended for. As in previous years, the vaccination centers of the Local Health Authorities (ASL) will also be involved, with the possibility to book through the dedicated regional portal. The Region will promptly provide citizens with all information on the start and modalities of the campaign.
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