The cannual vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 began on October 10. However, through the voice of its general director, the Ministry of Health and Access to Care made a point of carrying out a booster shot aimed at populations at risk, directly concerned.
“Although normal at this time of year, epidemiological indicators for influenza are increasing in three regions – Île-de-France, Normandy and Hauts-de-France -, said Dr. Grégory Emeryduring a press conference organized this Tuesday, December 3 in Paris. The vaccine takes fifteen days to be effective, as winter and the end-of-year holidays approach, it is therefore time to take action to be protected and prevent serious forms of these respiratory viruses. This is an individual act of prevention which contributes to the protection of all, particularly the most vulnerable.”.
As part of the vaccination campaign, Health Insurance has as a priority invited 17.2 million people eligible for 100% coverage, namely populations aged 65 and over, suffering from chronic illnesses, severe obesity, pregnant women, nursing home residents, or those close to immunocompromised patients and healthcare personnel.
“Vaccination against influenza is annual, that against Covid-19 must be carried out six months after the last injection or infection, a period reduced to three months for people aged at least 80 and immunocompromised people, added Dr. Emery. The two vaccinations can be done at the same time or delayed, with no waiting period between the two, all health professionals being authorized to carry out this procedure..
A “delay that sets in”
A message that is all the more important, according to the general director, because of the “delay in vaccination coverage.
Although regional data will not be available before the end of the campaign, the first figures from monitoring of Health Insurance reimbursements show 8 million people vaccinated against influenza since October 15 nationally, i.e. a decrease of 6% compared to last year – matching the pre-Covid level.
An even more notable drop for Covid-19, with around 2 million doses administered this season, compared to 4.4 million in 2023 on the same date.
“As the CoviPrev 2024 survey reveals, there may be a feeling of overexposure to vaccination, weariness, even distrust among the population, or even a fear of side effects, the doctor explained. But there is no doubt about the safety of these vaccines which are particularly monitored and essential for vulnerable people. Beyond the impact on the health system, which is difficult to predict, the consequences of a lack of vaccination are primarily individual, with the risk of being admitted to intensive care.”.
While Health Insurance will again raise public awareness during the month of December, the Director General of Health specified that a “new vaccine strategy” will be deployed from 2025 by his ministry, including a component relating to disinformation.
From now on, in order to “Stop the spread of viruses”Dr Emery also insisted on the key role of barrier gestures : ventilation, hand washing and wearing a mask, particularly in the event of symptoms or in confined spaces.
