Flu and Covid-19 Vaccination Campaign Set for October 13 Start
The joint vaccination campaign against seasonal influenza and Covid-19 will officially launch across France on October 13, 2026, running through January 31, 2027.
- The 2026-2027 influenza and Covid-19 vaccination campaign begins on October 13, 2026, and concludes on January 31, 2027.
- New operational guidelines allow certain healthcare professionals, including nurses, to both prescribe and administer the vaccines.
- Two specific influenza formulations—the high-dose Efluelda vaccine and the adjuvanted Fluad vaccine—are now preferentially recommended for adults aged 65 and older.
Vaccination Drive Targets Vulnerable Groups to Reduce Deaths
The seasonal vaccination drive targets the same vulnerable groups identified in prior years, prioritizing individuals aged 65 and older—regardless of baseline health status—pregnant women across all trimesters, and patients managing chronic conditions such as obesity or underlying respiratory symptoms. It is reported that influenza alone triggered more than 115,000 emergency department visits and 12,700 deaths during the preceding winter season. To mitigate severe morbidity, the Assurance Maladie fully covers the cost of both vaccines for qualifying high-risk individuals upon presentation of a designated medical voucher. Individuals who have not received a voucher directly from the public health insurance system may request one from a healthcare professional.
Vaccine Efficacy and Timing Intervals
Addressing the necessity of annual revaccination, geriatrician Dr. Bruno Oquendo explained on social media that the effectiveness of vaccines against both respiratory viruses wanes over time. Current health authority data indicate that immunization reduces the risk of intensive care unit admission by approximately 80 percent for Covid-19, and by 40 to 60 percent for influenza, while cutting mortality risk by more than half for both infections. Regarding administration protocols, patients may receive both inoculations during a single clinical encounter via separate injections in each arm. For individuals receiving the vaccines at separate times, no mandatory waiting period is required between the two doses. Eligibility for a seasonal Covid-19 booster requires a minimum interval of six months since the last injection, though this window shortens to three months for immunocompromised patients and individuals aged 80 or older.
Nurses Can Now Prescribe Vaccines for 2026-2027 Campaign
The 2026-2027 campaign features distinct structural changes distinguishing it from past rollouts. Nurses and select other healthcare professionals are now authorized to prescribe the vaccines in addition to administering them, broadening access points for patients. Public health guidance now explicitly favors two specific influenza vaccines for adults aged 65 and older: Efluelda, which delivers a high antigen dose, and Fluad, which incorporates an adjuvant. Standard-dose influenza vaccines remain fully available and authorized for this demographic. Safety monitoring data from health authorities continue to track severe adverse events at a rate of less than one per 100,000 administered doses. Eligible individuals can obtain their doses free of charge at local pharmacies using their health insurance vouchers or consult a primary care physician or pharmacist to discuss scheduling and individual risk factors.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.
