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France Launches annual Winter Vaccination Campaign Amid Concerns Over Last Year’s Severe Flu Season
Paris,France - France’s winter vaccination campaign officially begins Tuesday,offering updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to protect the population as colder months approach. Health authorities are particularly urging vaccination this year following a notably virulent flu epidemic last winter that overwhelmed hospitals and contributed to significant excess mortality.
This year’s campaign features a range of vaccine options tailored to different age groups and risk factors.Efluelda and Fluad vaccines are specifically recommended for older individuals, while Vaxigrip and Inluvac are suitable for adults and children aged 6 months and older. Flucelvax is available for those over 2 years old, according to guidance released by the General Directorate of Health. For COVID-19,three Comirnaty vaccines from Pfizer will be utilized for healthcare workers.
Here are four key questions about the 2025 winter vaccination campaign:
1. What vaccines are available this year?
Four influenza vaccines are available: Efluelda, Fluad, Vaxigrip, and Inluvac. These are designed for various age groups, with Efluelda and Fluad prioritized for older people. Three Comirnaty vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer, will be used for healthcare professionals against COVID-19.
2. Who is vaccination particularly recommended for?
Health authorities are urging the most vulnerable populations to get vaccinated to limit the spread of influenza and COVID-19. This includes older adults, individuals with underlying health conditions, and healthcare workers. The goal is to prevent a repeat of last year’s severe impact on both patients and the healthcare system.
3. Why is there such a strong push for vaccination this year?
last winter’s flu epidemic was exceptionally severe,peaking in the first week of 2025 and reaching levels “almost never reached” before,according to Caroline Semaille,director general of Public Health France.The epidemic resulted in nearly 3 million consultations with doctors, 30,000 hospitalizations, and excess mortality of over 17,000 deaths. semaille also noted that many French citizens were vaccinated “too late.”
4. What were last year’s vaccination rates, and what is the target?
Vaccination coverage among at-risk groups was substantially lower than desired. Among those aged 65 and over, coverage was estimated at 53.7%, while it was only 25.3% for those under 65 with risk factors. This falls short of the World Health Association’s target of 75% vaccination coverage for vulnerable populations.
