is there still time to get vaccinated before the holidays?

The flu is indeed here and, among those concerned by vaccination, some are undoubtedly wondering if it is not too late. According to the latest available data, Île-de-France has in fact already been in an epidemic phase for a week, when five other regions (Brittany, Normandy, Hauts-de-France, Grand Est and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes) are on the point of joining her. At the same time, bronchiolitis now affects the entire metropolis, even if the epidemic is less severe than last year. As for Covid, it continues to circulate, but quietly (143 people hospitalized in intensive care last week). Is it still useful to get vaccinated when these epidemics have already started well?

“The answer is clearly “yes” for these three diseasesattests Professor Daniel Floret, professor emeritus of pediatrics and vaccine specialist. The flu epidemic has already started well but it will last several more weeks, the same for bronchiolitis. Moreover, the vaccination campaign against flu and Covid is far from over: it will not end until January 31.

As a reminder, the flu vaccine only takes full effect 10 to 14 days after the injection. “It is urgent that those affected are vaccinated now, so that they are protected during the festive period”adds Professor Anne-Claude Crémieux, infectious disease specialist and president of the technical commission on vaccinations of the High Authority of Health.

It is urgent that those affected get vaccinated now, so that they are protected during the festive period.

Professor Anne-Claude Crémieux, infectious disease specialist and president of the technical committee on vaccinations of the High Authority of Health.

A flu epidemic peak during the holidays?

The holidays are in fact particularly conducive to the spread of respiratory viruses. “The Covid epidemic has shown us this clearlyrecalls Professor Crémieux. It's a time of year when many people gather in enclosed spaces. If we want to be able to enjoy it without being sick, now is the time to get the vaccine.”continues the specialist. According to her, the peak of the flu epidemic could occur around the end of year holidays or shortly after.

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As a reminder, the influenza vaccination campaign is aimed at people over 65, pregnant women, obese people, immunocompromised people and those suffering from other illnesses, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory. “Heart failure, coronary problems or even chronic bronchitis are all pathologies which can be greatly aggravated by these viral infections”illustrates Professor Crémieux.

Even if it is not 100% effective, the flu vaccine is still the best way we have today to protect people at risk.

Professor Daniel Floret, professor emeritus of pediatrics and vaccine specialist.

At this point, the effectiveness of this year's flu vaccine is not yet known. “This is the particularity of this vaccine: its effectiveness varies every year because the viral strains are not the same from one year to the next”explains Anne-Claude Crémieux. “Based on data from countries in the southern hemisphere, which are still affected before us, we can expect the same effectiveness as last year”continues the infectious disease specialist. In this case, it was 44% for the 2023/2024 season, which means that vaccination has almost made it possible to halve the number of serious forms.

“Even if it is not 100% effective, the flu vaccine is still the best means we have today to protect people at risk”insists Professor Floret. According to the Ministry of Health, influenza vaccination would prevent more than 2,000 deaths on average each year in France.

Anti-Covid vaccination is less of a priority

The Covid vaccination campaign is aimed at the same types of population as that against the flu. The two injections can also be given concomitantly. “At a doctor, in a pharmacy or by nurses and midwives”specifies Professor Floret. “The inflammatory response may be a little stronger, but no serious adverse effects related to receiving both vaccines at the same time have been identified”he assures. The need to be vaccinated against Covid is currently less urgent than against the flu. “The situation is rather calm, but the virus continues to circulate quietly. It would be surprising if there is not a new epidemic outbreak in the coming months because new variants continue to appear.however, underlines Daniel Floret, who recalls the interest of also being vaccinated against Covid.

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Bronchiolitis virus: why seniors also need to be vaccinated

Latest arrival of vaccines against respiratory viruses: that against the RSV virus which causes bronchiolitis, available for only a few months. “It is useful at both ends of life: for babies under one year old if their mother was not vaccinated at the end of her pregnancy, as well as for people aged 75 and over, because all Studies show a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths from this virus from this age onwards.explains Professor Crémieux. This vaccine (Arexvy or Abrysvo) – reimbursed up to 30% by Health Insurance, coverage possibly supplemented by mutual insurance – is also recommended from the age of 65 in the event of chronic respiratory or heart diseases (in particular COPD and heart failure…). “We are in the midst of an epidemic of bronchiolitis, it is urgent for people at risk to protect themselves”insists Professor Floret.