New COVID Variant Fuels Moderate Rise in French Respiratory Infections, Vaccination Campaign Launched
paris, France - French health authorities are reporting a moderate increase in COVID-19 activity coinciding with teh start of the school year, though officials emphasize current levels remain significantly lower than those seen during the pandemic. The uptick is occurring alongside the typical seasonal rise in other respiratory viruses, prompting a renewed focus on surveillance and preventative measures.
The increase has drawn attention to emerging variants, including one dubbed “frankenstein” by some media outlets due to its numerous mutations. While not causing widespread disruption to healthcare services – the Lille University Hospital Center reports “no disturbance is to be reported in the institution of our services currently” – the variant’s potential to evade existing immunity is prompting vigilance. The hospital also affirmed its continued request of infectious risk protocols for all patients with contagious diseases.
Health organizations are maintaining existing recommendations: continued surveillance,encouragement of COVID-19 vaccination and boosters for at-risk individuals,and promotion of standard preventative measures like isolation for symptomatic individuals,hygiene practices,and ventilation. The World Health Organization believes approved vaccines should remain effective against severe illness,but stresses the importance of monitoring variant evolution through sequencing data and clinical indicators.
France has launched a combined flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign running from October 14,2024,to January 31,2026. Orders for COVID-19 vaccines opened September 22, 2024, via the France Portal, with priority given to the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant peopel. The Sentinel network has noted an increase in the rate of consultations for acute respiratory infection linked to COVID-19 in the last week.