Mid-January 2025, in France, the influenza epidemic is still at a high level of intensity in all age groups. Those aged 65 and over represent 67% of hospitalizations after going to the emergency room for flu/flu-like illness.
The 2024-2025 epidemic is characterized by co-circulation of three influenza viruses: the two type A viruses, A(HN1) pdm09 and A(H3N2), and the type B/Victoria virus. This co-circulation of three viruses, which are described to have a different impact depending on age groups, is unusual and could explain why all age groups are significantly affected.
At the same time, the Covid-19 virus continues to circulate, thus increasing the risk of co-infections and serious forms, particularly among vulnerable people.
Health authorities recall the importance of collective mobilization to slow the transmission of respiratory viruses and limit hospitalizations. The joint vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 is extended until February 28, 2025: vulnerable people are invited to be vaccinated without delay.
Vaccination and respect for barrier gestures remain fully effective in protecting against the flu, and more generally against winter viruses.
Vaccination: an essential safeguard
Vaccination has a double advantage, it is both individual and collective protection: the more the number of people vaccinated increases, the less the virus circulates. In addition, vaccination against influenza is an effective way to protect against severe forms of the disease, especially for people at risk. Vaccination is therefore particularly recommended for people aged 65 and over and their entourage.
Seasonal flu vaccination is strongly recommended for:
- 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;
- those around infants at risk of serious flu and immunocompromised people, with the aim of protecting the fragile people around them;
- home help for vulnerable individual employers benefiting from exemptions;
- people staying in a follow-up care establishment as well as in a medico-social accommodation establishment whatever their age;
- professionals exposed to avian and swine influenza viruses.
For these people, flu vaccination is 100% covered. The vaccine can be administered by a pharmacist, nurse, doctor or midwife. If the care voucher is lost or forgotten, the healthcare professional can issue one on site, thus guaranteeing easy access to vaccination.
In addition, vaccination against influenza is also recommended for those close to these vulnerable people, as well as for professionals in the medical and social sectors according to the treatment methods available on ameli.fr.
The Covid-19 vaccine is provided by the healthcare professional without the need to present a document. It is 100% covered for anyone aged 5 and over.
In order to support these last weeks of flu circulation and to be able to vaccinate all people who wish it, the Ministry of Health and Access to Care reminds that vaccines are available in pharmacies on the entire territory. Additional doses are made available to pharmacies which have expressed their need for additional supplies, thanks to the mobilization of players in the sector.
Barrier gestures: simple and effective protection
In addition to vaccination, the daily and rigorous application of barrier gestures is an essential lever to slow the circulation of viruses and avoid contamination. These simple but effective actions help limit transmission, particularly during periods of high circulation of respiratory viruses:
- Wear a masksystematically in the presence of symptoms (cough, fever, sore throat), but also in public transport, other busy places and places of care, if you are at risk of developing a serious form or in the presence of people vulnerable, whether you have symptoms or not. This is a simple gesture that limits the transmission of respiratory viruses.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap or disinfect them with a hydroalcoholic solution, especially after being in contact with shared surfaces (public transport, door handles, payment terminals, etc.).
- Ventilate enclosed spaces regularly by opening the windows at least 10 minutes several times a day, in order to renew the air and reduce the concentration of viruses in suspension.
By adopting these reflexes on a daily basis, everyone can help limit the spread of viruses, avoid serious forms and reduce pressure on the health system..
-More information
For a virus-free winter – Ministry of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families
Barrier gestures, simple reflexes to protect yourself and your loved ones from winter viruses – Ministry of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families
Acute respiratory infections (flu, bronchiolitis, COVID-19). Bulletin of January 15, 2025 – Public Health France
Contacts presse :
General Directorate of Health
[email protected] – 01 87 05 92 12
Public health France
National Health Insurance Fund
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