vaccination campaign extended until February 28, 2025

Thursday 23rd January 2025 09:19 AM

Lhe Directorate General of Health (DGS) has decided to extend the vaccination campaign against seasonal flu and Covid-19 by one month [1].

Initially scheduled until January 31, 2025, this campaign will run until February 28, 2025.

Unsurprisingly, this decision comes in an epidemic context marked in mid-January by strong viral circulation in mainland France and overseas, resulting in a strain on the healthcare system.

In its bulletin of January 15, 2025 [2] (cf. our articles of January 7, 2025 and January 16, 2025), Public Health France noted:

an intensification of influenza activity in the city;
very high hospital activity;
a marked increase in deaths.

In addition, this 2024-2025 epidemic season is characterized by the circulation of three influenza viruses: (A(HN1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria). « 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. », notes the DGS.

More time to vaccinate latecomers

Additional doses of flu vaccines are made available in community pharmacies (on order from wholesale distributors – cf. our article of January 16, 2025).

For the DGS, this extension of 1 month (28 days more precisely) must be used to vaccinate the most vulnerable people (cf. Boxed) not yet vaccinated. Vaccination combined with barrier gestures helps slow the circulation of respiratory viruses and reduce the severity of infections and hospitalizations.

**Box – 100% support** **% of vaccine during the vaccination campaign**
Throughout the duration of the vaccination campaign, the following people can benefit from 100% coverage of the flu vaccine: those aged 65 and over; those under 65 suffering from certain chronic illnesses, including children aged 6 months and over; 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; health professionals; home help for vulnerable individual employers benefiting from exemptions; professionals exposed to avian and swine influenza viruses. Regarding Covid-19, everyone can be vaccinated free of charge, including people not covered by vaccination recommendations.

Relevance of a joint flu/Covid-19 vaccination

The Covid-19 vaccination campaign is also extended. « The Covid-19 virus continues to circulate, thus increasing the risk of co-infections and serious forms, particularly among vulnerable people. »underlines the DGS.

According to the latest bulletin issued by Public Health France [2]the syndromic indicators of Covid-19 are generally stable, at low levels.