["The Invisibles" project, meeting and collaboration of Public Health and volunteering. The influenza vaccination experience to promote the health of the socially vulnerable and economically disadvantaged population]. / Progetto "Gli Invisibili", dove Sanità Pubblica e volontariato possono incontrarsi e collaborare. L'esperienza della vaccinazione antinfluenzale al fine di promuovere la salute della popolazione socialmente vulnerabile ed economicamente svantaggiata.

Migration and the current European socioeconomic conditions necessitate an evaluation/assessment, as detailed as possible, of the spread of seasonal infectious diseases in order to reduce inequalities in the healthcare system. The "Scuola di Formazione in Medicina Generale" of Lazio, in collaboration with the Community of Sant'Egidio of Rome, organized an influenza/flu vaccination campaign for homeless people, migrants and the poor in order to check their health conditions and prevent the spread of the most common infectious diseases. People were asked to fill in an anamnestic form, including personal details (name, surname, gender, date of birth and nationality) so that they could be classified according to specific health risks; they were also asked to give a short account of their medical history. During the clinical examination, the general conditions of the patients were evaluated, and some parameters, such as blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation, were reported on the form. At the end of the interview, the participants were immunized with an influenza trivalent vaccine. Vulnerability and the risk of chronic and disabling diseases were assessed on the basis of anamnestic data, such as blood pressure, in order to evaluate the actual need for immunization. The 486 forms, collected and validated, revealed an average age of 37, and an average blood pressure of 129/82 mmHg. By dividing the participants into 4 groups based on their continent of origin (Europe, Asia, Africa, America), it became evident that the majority of them came from Europe (227), while a smaller number came from the other three continents. From the observation of the collected data, it can be stated that vaccinations are the principal weapon against the spread of seasonal infectious diseases in those categories of patients considered vulnerable because of their disadvantaged socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. The MMG (general practitioner), in collaboration with voluntary organizations, plays a central role in the management of these types of patients.