by InTrieste
In a significant public health move, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Council has approved two major vaccination campaigns aimed at addressing emerging health threats in the region.
Under a resolution approved today, residents of Friuli Venezia Giulia with a prior diagnosis of Dengue fever will receive free vaccinations. The regional government has allocated a total of €5,000 to support this initiative, distributing funds among the three local health agencies: €2,200 to Asufc, €1,500 to Asugi, and €1,300 to Asfo. The decision reflects concerns over rising Dengue cases, which have increased from five in 2023 to eleven in the first half of 2024 among local residents. The disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a severe health risk and can lead to fatal complications.
In addition to the Dengue vaccination campaign, the Regional Council has also approved a substantial effort to combat bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among infants and young children. A fund of €900,000 will be allocated for this purpose, with distribution based on the population in the area: €370,000 for Asufc, €185,000 for Asugi, €260,000 for Asfo, and €85,000 for Irccs Burlo.
The RSV initiative will provide free immunization to all newborns before they are discharged from maternity wards during the epidemic season, which runs from September 30, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Infants up to six months old and children aged six to 24 months with certain risk factors, such as significant congenital heart disease or severe respiratory conditions, will also be eligible for prophylaxis through vaccination services or local hospitals.
Riccardo Riccardi, the regional health commissioner, emphasized the importance of these measures. He pointed to scientific evidence showing that the monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab can reduce severe RSV infections by up to 80% and hospitalizations by 77%. “Nirsevimab represents a major advancement in preventing RSV-related diseases in infants,” Riccardi stated, highlighting its potential to significantly impact public health.
