[Guidelines for immunization practices in professional athletes].

The specific risks for communicable diseases in professional athlets is analysed with particular regard to soccer players. Considering the increased risks for infectious diseases transmission due the particular esposures and the periodical decrease of the immune system (the so called "open window") specific guidelines for immunization practices are here suggested: a check for the standard immunizations of childhood and adolescency, the routine immunizations (seasonal flue and decennial booster doses for tetanus and diphteria) and the management of particular circustamces in case of epidemics or intercontinental tournaments.