The joint vaccination campaign against seasonal flu and Covid-19 began on October 15. For the second year in a row, its objective is to protect the most vulnerable populations.
In 2023, influenza vaccination coverage was declining among people with risk factors, with low coverage among 65-74 year olds (52%). Vaccination coverage against Covid-19 was 35% among those aged 65 and over (Vaccination in Normandy. Assessment of vaccination coverage in 2023 – Public Health France Normandy).
Two weeks ago, Normandy moved into the pre-epidemic phase for influenza with a sharp increase in the detection of influenza viruses in hospitals (source: Health surveillance in Normandy. Bulletin of December 5, 2024.– Public Health France Normandy).
In this context, and as the end-of-year holidays approach, mobilization is essential so that the most vulnerable people can be protected against serious forms of influenza infections and Covid-19. The vaccine against seasonal flu or Covid-19 takes around 15 days to be effective: you should not wait before getting vaccinated!
The joint vaccination campaign targets the most vulnerable populations, likely to develop a serious form of these diseases, which are:
- people aged 65 and over;
- people under 65 suffering from certain chronic illnesses;
- pregnant women;
- people suffering from obesity: body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40;
- professionals exposed to avian and porcine influenza viruses;
- people with Down syndrome, psychiatric disorders or dementia for vaccination against Covid-19 only.
The vaccination campaign is also intended for those close to people at risk of serious forms, in particular:
- those around infants at risk of serious influenza and immunocompromised people, with the aim of protecting vulnerable people;
- home help for vulnerable individual employers.
For all these people, flu vaccination is 100% covered upon presentation of the Vitale card and the Health Insurance voucher. In addition, anyone wishing to be vaccinated free of charge against Covid-19, even if they are not affected by the vaccination recommendations, will be able to be vaccinated.
In addition, vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 is also for professionals in the medical and social sectors.
- The Covid-19 vaccine is provided by the healthcare professional without it being necessary to present a document (it is 100% covered for anyone over the age of 5).
- The flu vaccine can be collected free of charge at the pharmacy upon presentation of the voucher and the Vitale card. Then simply get vaccinated by the professional of your choice: pharmacist, nurse, doctor, midwife. If it is not the pharmacist who vaccinates, the flu vaccine should be kept in the refrigerator until the injection.
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