France Launches Ambitious Flu Vaccination Campaign Aiming to Prevent Repeat of Last Winter’s Crisis
Paris, France – French health authorities are reporting a strong initial uptake in the autumn 2025 flu vaccination campaign, hoping to avert another winter season overwhelmed by severe cases of influenza. The campaign, launched with increased urgency following a especially challenging 2024-2025 flu season, emphasizes not only personal protection but also the collective duty to safeguard the healthcare system.
This year’s push comes as officials highlight the importance of early vaccination, noting it takes approximately two weeks for immunity to develop after injection. The flu vaccine can also be administered on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccination,streamlining protection against both respiratory viruses. Beyond simply avoiding the flu, vaccination is presented as a critical step in preventing serious illness and protecting vulnerable populations.
The success of the campaign hinges on achieving widespread coverage, a key factor in mitigating the impact of a virus that constantly evolves. Each year, the influenza virus undergoes slight mutations, requiring health experts to anticipate circulating strains when formulating the vaccine. The effectiveness of the vaccine, therefore, remains a closely monitored variable.
Currently, the flu vaccine is fully covered by health insurance for at-risk groups including those aged 65 and over, individuals with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and people with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40), who will automatically receive a care voucher from Health Insurance. Though, authorities stress that broad public support – viewing vaccination as an essential preventative measure – is crucial for long-term success.
