Joint Flu & COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Launches Next Week,Targeting Vulnerable Populations
PARIS – France is launching a nationwide joint vaccination campaign against both influenza and COVID-19 starting next week,Public Health France announced. The campaign prioritizes protecting individuals at risk of severe illness, healthcare professionals, and those in close contact with vulnerable populations.
This year’s campaign utilizes the Comirnaty® JN.1 vaccine for COVID-19, an mRNA vaccine, and aims to build upon the success of previous vaccination efforts. Health authorities highlight that, on average, 2,000 people aged 65 and over are saved each year thanks to flu vaccination.
Who is Recommended to Get Vaccinated?
Public Health France strongly recommends vaccination for a broad range of individuals, including:
* people aged 65 and over
* Individuals aged 6 months or older with comorbidities increasing the risk of severe disease (including chronic heart, vascular, liver, kidney, lung conditions, diabetes, obesity, cancers, and those who have undergone organ or stem cell transplants).
* Immunocompromised individuals
* Pregnant women
* Residents of nursing homes (Ehpad) and long-term care units (USLD)
* Residents of facilities for people with disabilities
* Close contacts of infants under 6 months at risk and immunocompromised individuals
* Healthcare and medico-social professionals in regular contact with at-risk individuals
* Crew members of cruise ships and airplanes,and travel industry staff accompanying groups
* Individuals with Down syndrome,psychiatric disorders,or dementia.
Eligibility for vaccination is generally six months after a previous infection or COVID-19 vaccine dose.This interval is reduced to three months for immunocompromised individuals and those aged 80 or over, due to their increased vulnerability. Anyone wishing to be vaccinated, even outside of these target groups, is eligible to receive a COVID-19 injection.
Flu Remains a Significant Threat
Between two and six million people are affected by the flu epidemic in mainland France annually. Over 90% of flu-related deaths – averaging 9,000 per year in France – occur in individuals aged 65 and over.
Vaccine Costs
The COVID-19 vaccine is completely free. The flu vaccine is fully reimbursed by Health Insurance for at-risk individuals and is covered up to 65% for children aged 2 to 17.
The campaign underscores the importance of preventative measures as France prepares for the winter season and the potential for increased respiratory illness transmission.
