COVID-19 Cases Rising: Health Officials Urge Vaccination, Debate Optimal Timing
PARIS – As COVID-19 cases begin to climb, French health authorities are launching a vaccination campaign utilizing an updated Pfizer vaccine tailored to the Omicron LP.8.1 variant, but questions remain about the timing and public uptake. The campaign, slated to officially begin October 14th, prioritizes those most vulnerable to severe illness – individuals who have had a recent COVID-19 infection or vaccine dose within the past six months, immunocompromised individuals, and those aged 80 or older, who are eligible for a booster after just three months.
Despite recommendations, vaccination rates remain low, with only 20% of those over 65 and 17% of all eligible individuals receiving a dose last year. Health officials emphasize the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing serious illness and hospitalization, particularly during peak periods, but acknowledge the relatively short duration of immunity conferred by mRNA vaccines. The goal is to encourage annual vaccination, similar to the flu shot, focusing on protecting the most fragile populations.
The Cumirnaty vaccine, authorized by the European Medicines Agency in July, is considered a close enough match to currently circulating strains to provide good protection against severe outcomes. However, experts like Infectiologist Odile Launay, speaking to Le Parisien, note that “The duration of the immune response with our messenger RNA vaccines is relatively short,” meaning protection diminishes over time.
A point of contention is the October 14th launch date. Several specialists argue that waiting until mid-October could diminish the campaign’s impact, as the peak of infections may have already passed. Virologist Bruno Lina, in comments to Le Parisian, warned, “Starting a vaccination campaign when the peak has passed, it’s terrible!” He points to 2023, when France advanced the launch to October 2nd, and England even earlier to September 11th, in response to an early wave. While doses are expected to be delivered to pharmacies starting October 2nd, the Ministry of Health has stated no changes to the launch date are currently planned.
