France: Start of the flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign

The flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign begins on October 13 in mainland France and will continue until January 31. Nearly 15 million flu doses and 10 million Covid-19 doses are available.

Vaccination is open to everyone, but health authorities recommend prioritizing immunization for those most at risk of severe illness: people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain chronic illnesses, those suffering from obesity, or those living in long-term care facilities. Healthcare professionals, home care workers, and those close to vulnerable individuals are also eligible.

Vaccines can be prescribed and administered by doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and midwives. A new feature this year will allow some healthcare professionals to have doses available directly in their offices to simplify the vaccination process.

For Covid-19, the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine remains the only one available. Regarding the flu, five vaccines are available, including two enhanced formulations designed for people aged 65 and over to better compensate for the natural age-related decline in immune defenses.

For the target groups outlined in the recommendations, flu and Covid-19 vaccines, as well as their administration, are fully covered by national health insurance. More than 20 million vaccination vouchers have been sent to those concerned.

Others can also get vaccinated. The Covid-19 vaccine remains free for everyone, while coverage for the flu vaccine depends on the patient's age and circumstances. Some companies may also offer this vaccination free of charge to their employees.

  Jeanne Nathalie

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