The flu epidemic near its peak, the vaccination campaign extended by the government

HEALTH – Great evils come with great means. This is the logic that the Ministry of Health chose to follow this Wednesday, January 22 in the face of a severe seasonal flu epidemic with still high intensity in mid-January.

Last week, the Minister of Health Yannick Neuder said to wait until “ a peak of flu » by the end of January. The decision was therefore taken to extend the vaccination campaign by one month in the face of the surge in cases across France.

Seen that “the circulation of influenza viruses is still very active in mainland France and overseas”, “the joint vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 is extended until February 28, 2025” et “fragile people are invited to be vaccinated without delay”indicates a press release from the General Directorate of Health.

A finding that is all the more alarming given that the flu epidemic is still at “a high level of intensity” in all age groups. Even if it is those aged 65 and over who represent the majority of hospitalizations (67%) after a visit to the emergency room for the flu or an influenza-like illness.

Figures which are reflected in the death count. Public health France reporting in its weekly report a « impact encore important » on mortality. And a hospital activity “always high” during this third week of the year 2025, under the effect of this epidemic “ with marked severity.

Three flu viruses for the price of one

In this tense context, the most vulnerable (whether those aged 65 and over, people with comorbidities, pregnant women or even residents of medico-social establishments) are invited to be vaccinated as a priority. But current recommendations also invite those close to the most vulnerable and professionals in the medical and social sectors to do the same.

The need for vaccination is also accentuated by co-circulation deemed “ unusual » of the three influenza viruses – two type A viruses, A(HN1) and A(H3N2), and a type B/Victoria virus – which affects all age groups of the French population.

Vaccination is also extended by one month to help stem the circulation of another virus, that of Covid-19. Which has the particularity of aggravating the risks of co-infections and serious forms among the most fragile. Reason why the use of barrier gestures is once again recommended as the main weapon to “ curb the transmission of respiratory viruses and limit hospitalizations” this winter.

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