Covid-19, flu, prescription by pharmacists, rotavirus: vaccination is evolving in France. Why Doctor takes stock of what is changing.
- Pharmacists can now prescribe and administer vaccines.
- The vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 will begin on October 17.
- Rotavirus vaccination is now recommended for babies six weeks to six months old.
Vaccination protects us against many diseases. But these can evolve, like Covid-19. To improve population protection, the Ministry of Health regularly updates its vaccination recommendations. This year, the vaccination schedule is experiencing some changes.
Vaccination: new skills for pharmacists
One of the main new features is the expansion of pharmacists’ skills, announced at the end of August. “Since November 2022, it was already possible from the age of 16 to inject 14 vaccines in a pharmacy, but you had to have a prescription from your doctor or midwife, remind him Ministry of Health. Pharmacists can now both prescribe and administer mandatory and recommended vaccines to people aged at least 11 years old..” However, only trained pharmacists will be able to prescribe and administer vaccines.
Covid-19 and flu: a new simultaneous vaccination campaign
Among these, there are in particular serums against the flu and Covid-19. This year, the vaccination campaign for these two diseases starts on October 17 and it will be possible to receive both injections simultaneously. Last year, the same system was put in place. “It is strongly recommended that people most at risk of severe disease receive a booster dose in the fall in order to maintain their immunity facing the Covid-19 virus”warnsHealth Insurance. This concerns people aged 65 and over, people with comorbidities who are more at risk of developing a serious form such as those suffering from cancer, diabetes or vascular disorders. Pregnant women, immunocompromised people, those residing in nursing homes or in contact with vulnerable people are also encouraged to receive this booster dose. For others, this dose is not recommended, but it is still possible to receive it. Vaccination is fully covered by Health Insurance, regardless of the profile of the person vaccinated.
Regarding influenza, the High Authority for Health announces that vaccination is now open to children aged 2 to 17, without comorbidity. “The HAS recommends preferentially using the vaccine administered intranasally Fluenz Tetra®, given the better acceptability of this vaccine in children due to the non-use of needles.she specifies in a document.
Rotavirus: expanded vaccination for the youngest
For very young children, the recommendations are also changing. “Vaccination against Rotavirus is now recommended for all infants aged 6 weeks to 6 months, according to a two-dose vaccination schedule (at 2 and 3 months of life) for the monovalent vaccine (Rotarix®) and three doses. (at 2, 3 and 4 months of life) for the pentavalent vaccine (RotaTeq®)”, indicates the Ministry of Health. Rotaviruses are the main cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants, it can lead to severe dehydration.
Papillomavirus: vaccination offered to all 5th grade students
This year, 5th grade students are at the heart of a prevention campaign against human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly responsible for cervical cancer. All middle school students of this age will be offered vaccination against HPV, after prior agreement from their parents. The government hopes to be able thus protect 800,000 young people per year from diseases linked to these viruses.
