Pharmacists Can Vaccinate Now, With Conditions, Ahead of Official Campaign Launch
French pharmacists are currently permitted to vaccinate individuals against flu and COVID-19 if those individuals present a valid vaccination voucher, despite the official national campaign not begining until October 14th. This allowance, communicated in a letter dated October 3rd from Director General of Health, Professor Didier Lepelletier, to pharmacy representative organizations, is being framed as a period of “tolerance” rather than a premature launch.
The key directive is simple: pharmacists who have received vaccine doses cannot refuse vaccination to individuals with a voucher seeking immediate protection. However, active promotion of vaccinations before October 14th is prohibited to avoid conflicting with the planned national rollout schedule.Pharmacies are expected to fulfill individual requests but refrain from organizing local campaigns.
This initial phase aims to address immediate demand while health authorities prepare for a broader push to improve vaccination rates.Public Health France data reveals that while 52% of at-risk individuals received a flu vaccine in 2024, COVID-19 vaccination uptake was significantly lower, with only 25% of those over 65 receiving an injection.
The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) and the National Health Insurance Fund will jointly announce the official campaign objectives at a press conference on October 7th. The DGS has explicitly stated its reliance on pharmacies to drive increased vaccination coverage compared to last year, emphasizing the need for pharmacists to manage “on-demand” vaccinations now while preparing for the anticipated surge in demand following the October 14th launch.
