Who is affected by vaccines?
This year, more than 17.2 million people are invited by Health Insurance to be vaccinated. The Covid-flu campaign primarily targets people aged 65 and over, suffering from comorbidities (obesity, complicated high blood pressure, chronic heart diseases, cancers, etc.), immunocompromised people, pregnant women as well as patients staying in a healthcare establishment immediately or in a medical-social accommodation establishment, whatever their age. But also relatives of immunocompromised or vulnerable people, including healthcare professionals. For vaccination against Covid-19, patients suffering from dementia and Down syndrome are also concerned.
Anyone who does not meet the criteria and who wishes to be vaccinated can also receive an injection against Covid-19 and the flu, without a prescription. Vaccination is then possible for adults and children – from 2 years old for the flu and from 5 years old for Covid – without risk factors.
During the last winter season, only 54% of people aged 65 were vaccinated against the flu and 30% against Covid-19.
Is there a combined vaccine against seasonal flu and Covid?
To date, no combined influenza-Covid vaccine has been authorized for marketing. Several laboratories are working on it, such as the German BioNtech and the Americans Pfizer and Moderna. Moderna is the first to provide results from phase 3, i.e. large-scale, trials. If all goes well, the company is counting on putting it into circulation in the fall of 2025.
Can we be vaccinated at the same time against the flu and Covid?
Each person affected by vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 will be able to receive both injections in a single visit. An injection will then be given in each arm. And if the patient wants to separate their two appointments, they do not have to wait any particular length of time. In case of fever, it is advisable to postpone any vaccination.
Are these vaccines free or reimbursed?
The flu vaccine is free – with no advance cost, because it is 100% covered by Health Insurance – for vulnerable people at risk of developing a serious form. In practice, the people concerned receive a voucher at their home in order to collect the vaccine free of charge from the pharmacist. If you are eligible and have not received it, your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or midwife can give it to you. If you are not one of the priority groups, the vaccine is chargeable. Its price ranges between 6 and 10 euros. The injection, as with any medical procedure, is covered at 70%. As for vaccination against Covid-19, it is « free for everyone »recalls the General Directorate of Health.
Where can you get vaccinated?
To get vaccinated, it is obviously possible to go to your doctor. Several other health professionals are also authorized: this is the case of nurses, pharmacists and midwives. For residents of EHPADs and long-term care units (USLD), the injection is given on site.
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