Health authorities in France launched simultaneous vaccination campaigns against influenza and Covid-19 on Tuesday, October 13, rolling out the drive across mainland France, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana. The campaigns had already begun in May on Réunion Island and in September in Mayotte.
The primary objective is to combat severe forms of these respiratory infections and reduce pressure on hospitals during the winter months. Each campaign carries its own specific guidelines, and several key points deserve attention.
Who Is Eligible for Vaccination?
For both influenza and Covid-19, vaccination is recommended for all individuals at risk of developing serious illness. This primarily includes people over 65 years of age.
According to French health insurance authorities, the recommendation also extends to:
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with certain chronic conditions, including respiratory, cardiac, neurological, muscular, or renal diseases, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, HIV, and cancer
- Those staying in healthcare facilities
The flu vaccine may also be offered to children aged 2 to 17 without underlying health conditions, according to the national health insurance body.
Both vaccines can be administered on the same day, one in each arm. If they are not given simultaneously, no waiting period is required between the two injections. For Covid-19, a booster dose is recommended in spring for those over 80, immunocompromised individuals, or residents of care homes.
Who Can Administer the Vaccines?
Patients can receive either vaccine from their general practitioner, at a pharmacy, or from a nurse or midwife. All these healthcare professionals are now authorized to prescribe the vaccines, meaning a separate visit to a doctor is no longer mandatory.
What Is Covered by Health Insurance?
The flu vaccine is fully reimbursed by the national health insurance system for at-risk individuals, who should have already received their coverage voucher by mail. For children aged 2 to 17, coverage stands at 65 percent.
The Covid-19 vaccine is fully reimbursed for everyone. However, the injection itself may not always be entirely covered, and some out-of-pocket costs may apply.
Will This Year’s Flu Season Be Severe?
Alarming reports about an unusually early flu season in the United States have circulated, but experts caution against drawing conclusions about France’s outlook from foreign data.
“Within the same geographic zone, the epidemic can differ. For example, it had a moderate impact on hospitals in Australia this winter, unlike New Zealand where it is particularly intense this year,” said Dr. Sibylle Bernard-Stoecklin, an epidemiologist at Santé publique France.
In its first winter bulletin published Wednesday, October 7, the national public health agency noted that the epidemic has not yet emerged in mainland France. While atypical circulation of flu viruses was detected in August and early September, the positivity rate has returned to normal early-autumn levels.
“But it is important to get vaccinated without delay,” Bernard-Stoecklin urged. “The epidemic can arrive early, so at-risk individuals need to be protected when the time comes.”
What Do We Know About the Covid-19 Situation?
Regarding Covid-19, Santé publique France has observed an increase in virus circulation since late August, though levels remain below those recorded during the same period last year. Emergency room visits for suspected Covid-19 are significantly lower than during the past three autumns.
As early cases emerged from late August in recent years, several voices have called for earlier vaccination campaigns. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist has indicated she may consider moving the campaign forward next year.
What Precautions Should People Take?
Beyond vaccination, Bernard-Stoecklin emphasized the importance of maintaining protective habits.
“We must not forget barrier measures and should adopt good habits now,” she insisted, recommending mask-wearing when symptomatic, regular hand washing, use of disposable tissues, and frequent ventilation of indoor spaces.
“These measures are highly effective in protecting our vulnerable loved ones against all respiratory viruses,” the epidemiologist noted.
