Protecting the most vulnerable populations: a symbolic commitment from local authorities To combat preconceived ideas and encourage vaccination, Thierry Devimeux, Prefect of Drôme, as well as several agents from the prefecture were vaccinated against flu and Covid- 19 this month.
This symbolic gesture is part of a collective dynamic aimed at strengthening confidence in vaccines and encouraging more people to be vaccinated. Faced with the approach of winter, and in a health context marked by the circulation of influenza and Covid-19, it is crucial to act to protect the most vulnerable populations.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency and the prefecture would like to remind you of the actions to take in the event of symptoms and/or contact with positive people. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent serious forms of these diseases, and this simple action can save lives. Although barrier gestures, such as wearing a mask or social distancing, can help limit the transmission of viruses, they do not guarantee protection as strong as that offered by vaccination. Vaccination not only reduces the risk of contamination, but it remains the most effective way to avoid serious forms, hospitalizations and death.
Insufficient vaccination coverage despite public health issues However, despite the recommendations and the advantages of vaccination, coverage remains insufficient in Drôme, as in other departments. Health authorities are concerned about the low vaccination coverage, particularly among the most vulnerable people. Among the serious cases of flu and Covid-19 admitted to intensive care during the 2023-2024 season, a large majority of patients were not vaccinated against these viruses, despite the presence of risk factors.
Flu: vaccination coverage fell from 51% to 47% between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons, particularly among people under 65 with chronic illnesses.
Covid-19: only 30% of those over 65 were vaccinated in 2023-2024, and barely more than one in ten people under 65 with a chronic illness received their booster dose. 50% of people at risk fear the side effects of vaccines.
Free vaccination and 100% coverage for vulnerable people This vaccination campaign launched on October 15 specifically targets populations most at risk of developing a serious form of influenza or Covid-19. These populations include:
- People aged 65 and over;
- People under 65 suffering from chronic illnesses;
- Pregnant women;
- People with obesity (BMI ≥ 40);
- Those around infants at risk of serious influenza and immunocompromised people;
- Home help for vulnerable individual employers;
- Professionals exposed to avian and swine influenza viruses;
- People with Down syndrome, psychiatric disorders or dementia, for vaccination against Covid-19.
These people can benefit from a free flu vaccination upon presentation of the Vitale card and the Health Insurance voucher. In addition, vaccination against Covid-19 is also free for anyone wishing to be vaccinated, even if they are not part of the defined risk groups.
Health authorities also recommend that those close to these vulnerable people, as well as health professionals and social workers, be vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19 to protect both vulnerable individuals and the community. Vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 is accessible to everyone, in particular to people at risk. Don't wait: protect yourself and your loved ones.
