Vaccination of people at increased risk of influenza complications in Italy: how far have we gone?

Morbidity and mortality related to influenza are highest among people aged 65 and above, and among people of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk of influenza complications, including hospitalisation and death. Influenza vaccination is the most effective tool for preventing influenza both in terms of cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost ratios. Given the health benefits of influenza vaccination in preventing the disease and its potentially severe complications, recommendations that focus on providing annual vaccination targeted to people at increased risk have been implemented, but coverage among these groups is still well below the Italian health authorities' goals.