Italian pediatricians are split over the effectiveness of having all children vaccinated against influenza.
The Pediatric Cultural Association (ACP) said on Monday that it agreed with Italy's Higher Institute of Health (ISS) that only children considered at risk, those with respiratory conditions or chronic illnesses, should get flu shots.
This was in contrast to a recent recommendation from the FIMMP, a union of family pediatricians, for all young children to get vaccinated.
''The effectiveness of flu shots for children, as well as for the elderly, remains uncertain,'' ACP Chairman Michele Gangemi observed.
''In fact, we don't really know if or when flu shots work on children, as demonstrated by the results of a study published recently by the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine journal, which focused on vaccinating those under five years of age,'' Gangemi added.
According to the ACP chief, only 10% of children diagnosed with flu symptoms - fever, runny nose and coughing - actually have 'real' influenza, which is caused by a specific virus variant.
Rather than getting flu shots, the ACP suggested giving priority to preventive measures to avoid contracting the flu virus, including the frequent washing of hands.
The flu season in Italy officially opened last week with the confirmation of three cases of 'Australian flu', by the National Influenza Center said.
The A7H3N2 flu virus variant was identified by the center's laboratory at the University of Parma in the cases of a five-year-old boy, a 35-year-old woman and her two-year-old son, all of whom had not been vaccinated.
Health officials said that the current flu vaccine available in pharmacies and hospitals is effective against the 'Australian flu'.
Flu shots are free in Italy for people over 65 years of age, infants above six months and children and adults with chronic illnesses and life-threatening diseases.
They are also offered free of charge to police and firemen, pregnant women, doctors, nurses and other health workers including caregivers.
The flu season is expected to enter full swing during the Christmas holidays and peak in January.
