The new campaign starts on October 15th. Here’s more information and how to get your jab.
The 2024-2025 vaccination campaign begins in France on October 15th Tong_stocker/Shutterstock
France is set to begin its vaccination campaign against the new influenza virus and the new coronavirus on October 15, with vulnerable populations being especially recommended for vaccination.
“Following the recommendations of LA Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), the two vaccination campaigns against Covid-19 and influenza will be carried out jointly,” the health authority Direct générale de la santé (DGS) said in a press release on September 17 stated in a release.
According to the Ministry of Health, 10,000 people die from influenza each year in France, and it is estimated that vaccination could prevent an additional 2,000 deaths.
Vaccines typically take about two weeks to become fully effective, so people who are vulnerable and considered at risk for severe disease should be vaccinated from the start of the campaign.
Getting vaccinated early will give you maximum protection against influenza during an outbreak. It usually starts after November of each year and sometimes lasts until April. It tends to peak from December to January. The vaccination is valid for approximately 6 months.
Also read: Influenza vaccination campaign extended due to rising number of infections in France (2023-24)
Who is considered vulnerable?
The Ministry of Health recommends prioritizing the following people who are at risk of serious complications and are considered ‘vulnerable’:
People over 65 years old
People with chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, etc.)
people with immunodeficiency
severely obese
pregnant woman
The families and friends of these vulnerable people also include medical and care professionals.
Is the vaccine free?
People deemed vulnerable can receive the vaccination free of charge as it is covered by the disease insurance policy. Eligible people should receive a voucher sent to their home address. Present this voucher at the pharmacy to receive the vaccine for free.
If you think you’re eligible for a free vaccine but haven’t received your voucher (or lost it), you can ask your doctor, midwife, nurse or pharmacist to check your eligibility. If you are eligible, we can provide you with a form that will allow you to receive a full refund.
Even if you are not eligible for free vaccination, you can purchase the vaccine directly at a pharmacy if you wish. From 2023, it will be possible to vaccinate children aged 2 and older (however, pharmacists will not be able to vaccinate children under 16).
How much does the vaccine cost?
There are two separate costs: the price of the vaccine itself and the cost of the injection.
100% refund if considered at risk (see above)
The vaccine itself costs between 6 and 10 euros at the pharmacy
You will be responsible for 70% of the cost of the injection.
Injections given by a doctor are included in the consultation fee. If performed by a pharmacist or nurse, the price is 6.30 euros (mainland France), with the remaining 1.89 euros being paid (4.41 euros being refunded).
Also read: Adult vaccines in France: make sure you’re protected here
What kind of protection do vaccines provide?
Vaccines protect people from seasonal influenza in the following ways:
“The effectiveness of the influenza vaccine is not absolute, as not all virus strains that cause outbreaks are included in the vaccine,” says the doctor, who specializes in infectious and tropical diseases at the CHU in Angers. Physician Professor Vincent Dubet told Le Journal des. Femme Sante.
“Some people have weak immune systems, so the vaccine is not very effective. Even if you have been vaccinated, it is still possible to get infected with influenza,” he said.
He added that if a person becomes ill after vaccination, it may be caused by a different strain of the virus than the one contained in the vaccine.
Who can get vaccinated at a pharmacy?
The following people can receive vaccinations at pharmacies:
Adults considered vulnerable, except those with a history of severe allergic reactions to ovalbumin or previous vaccinations
Adults not considered vulnerable
Minors 16 years and older who do not have specific allergies but are at high risk of serious illness
Pharmacists cannot administer influenza vaccines to minors under 16 years of age.
Also read: French pharmacies can prescribe and administer vaccines: we explain which ones
What is the name of the influenza vaccine?
The vaccines used in this campaign are:
Influvac® Tetra (from 6 months of age): Tetravalent surface antigen vaccine against seasonal influenza.
Fluarix Tetra (from 6 months): Quadrivalent inactivated split-virion seasonal influenza vaccine.
Vaxigrip Tetra (from 6 months): Quadrivalent influenza vaccine (inactivated, split virion).
Health authorities confirmed that the Efluelda vaccine has been replaced with the VaxigripTetra vaccine.
Do I need a prescription for the influenza vaccine?
No, you do not need a prescription for the influenza vaccination. This is true even if you are not in an at-risk group and received your vaccination at a pharmacy or GP.
What are the side effects of the influenza vaccine?
Serious side effects are rare after getting the influenza vaccine. The most common ones are:
Inflammation, pain, tingling, or redness at the injection site
Weak reactions and mild symptoms, such as muscle and joint pain, may last for 2 days but resolve within 48 hours.
“The risk of serious side effects associated with vaccines, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome (an immune system disorder), far outweighs the risk of serious complications directly related to influenza itself, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome,” the ministry said. “It remains low.” The Health State Rapporteur added that allergic reactions are extremely rare (1 case in 450,000 vaccinated people).
What are the contraindications for the influenza vaccine?
Do not get the vaccine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or ingredients, or to any residues such as egg or chicken protein. If in doubt, contact your GP or pharmacist and check the vaccine leaflet for a complete list of contraindications.
You should also postpone vaccination if you currently have a fever.
