Pediatric flu vaccinations began in three schools across the province of Reggio Calabria under a public health initiative designed to build early immunization habits.
The campaign, titled “Tienimi per mano, nonno. Camminiamo insieme per la prevenzione,” is organized by Sanità Attiva APS. The association modeled the rollout on public health frameworks previously established in England and Andalusia.
Anna Maria Stanganelli, president of Sanità Attiva APS and former regional health ombudsman, presented the initiative alongside school administrators, teachers, and a delegation of young students at the regional citadel.
Stanganelli said that the proposal originated in 2025 through the regional health ombudsman’s office before the health department adopted the framework and issued implementation directives to local health authorities.
“La prevenzione è una priorità assoluta,” said Filippo Mancuso, regional vice president, adding that authorities must maintain focus on health access and youth investment to strengthen community-wide prevention standards.
Mancuso highlighted the role of civic associations as key institutional partners and praised Stanganelli’s ongoing public health advocacy. Organizers aim to transition the current trial into a permanent regional framework spanning every Calabrian province.
The pediatric vaccination model is structured for straightforward replication across standard educational settings. By bringing immunizations directly to classrooms, health officials seek to simplify access for families and lift overall vaccination coverage.
The pilot program marks a direct effort to integrate preventive care into daily student routines. Regional health authorities plan to evaluate the initial three-school rollout to determine timelines for expanding the immunization model across the wider territory.
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