Riccardo Maria Iorio, president of Federfarma Napoli, received his seasonal influenza vaccine at a pharmacy in Scampia, presenting the act as a simple and safe way to protect against influenza and to encourage uptake of the seasonal campaign.

The episode was reported by Il Mattino Napoli as part of the local promotion of influenza vaccination in pharmacies across Naples and its province.

Around 600 Pharmacies Involved in Naples and Province

According to the report, approximately 600 pharmacies in Naples and its province administer influenza vaccines.

The article says vaccination is available in participating pharmacies without an appointment. It describes a process involving a short health-history assessment followed by a safety observation period.

The report states that people aged 60 and over can receive the vaccine free of charge through the relevant ASL at participating pharmacies.

The article does not provide a complete current list of participating pharmacies. Eligibility, payment and appointment rules may vary by season, ASL and individual pharmacy, so readers should check current local service information before going.

Annual Recommendations Focus on People at Higher Risk

Italian influenza vaccination recommendations are updated annually and focus particularly on people at higher risk of complications.

The Istituto Superiore di Sanità notes that the Ministry of Health publishes an annual circular covering influenza prevention, hygiene, vaccination, epidemiological monitoring and recommendations for age groups and people at risk.

Seasonal influenza vaccination is actively and freely offered to people whose personal conditions put them at greater risk of complications, according to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità.

Vaccine Composition Is Updated Each Year

The Ministry of Health indicates that vaccine composition is updated annually according to circulating strains and surveillance.

That annual update process is part of the national framework described by the Ministry and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, alongside yearly recommendations on prevention and vaccination.

Pharmacies Are One of Several Vaccination Routes

Depending on local arrangements, influenza vaccination may be provided by family doctors, paediatricians, health facilities or vaccination clinics, according to the Ministry of Health.

In Naples and its province, participating pharmacies provide an additional reported route, with no appointment reported to be required.