"Influenza is a serious public health concern that causes severe illnesses and deaths, particularly in young children and the elderly," said Dr Alberto Mantovani, scientific director, Instituto Clinico Humanitas, Milan, and Professor of Pathology, Università degli Studi di Milano. "It is critical that the vaccination campaign can proceed with confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, and people get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones."

According to the World Health Organization, no other public health intervention, except the provision of clean drinking water, has done more to reduce the global burden of disease than vaccination. It recommends annual seasonal influenza vaccination for the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions and other vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, health care workers and those with essential functions in society, as well as children from ages six months to two years.