People over 65, suffering from chronic illness or suffering from obesity… From this Tuesday, October 18, the part of the population most at risk is invited to be vaccinated against seasonal flu.
- Annual epidemics are responsible for around 5 million cases of serious illness worldwide according to the WHO.
- Each year, there are between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths worldwide due to influenza.
- Doctors, nurses, midwives and some voluntary pharmacists are the four health professions who can vaccinate.
Each year, there are two to six million cases of influenza in France, according to Public Health France. The Pasteur Institute it is even estimated that in some years the number of people affected can be as high as eight million. This seasonal epidemic is also very deadly because it causes 10,000 to 15,000 deaths per year, mainly among vulnerable people.
Vaccination campaign for the most vulnerable people
Each year, the health authorities organize flu vaccination campaigns aimed at the most vulnerable groups. The 2022 edition begins this Tuesday, October 18 and different parts of the population are invited to receive the injection : people over 65, those with chronic illnesses, those who are immunocompromised or suffering from obesity, pregnant women and, finally, those around infants under six months old at risk of serious flu. Normally, an invitation is sent by Health Insurance directly to the home of these patients with a voucher to collect the vaccine from the pharmacy. If this is not the case, the persons concerned can ask a health professional.
At the same time, the health authorities also recommend that the medical and social profession be vaccinated, in particular those who are in contact with fragile people, such as the staff of medico-social establishments, certain home helpers, etc.
Seasonal flu, a highly contagious disease
Seasonal flu is a highly contagious viral infection that is generally present in France during the fall and winter. Like Covid-19, this virus is generally spread by droplets of saliva emitted into the air or by the presence of the virus on objects.
Once the person is infected, the symptoms of the disease begin within 48 hours. It is usually a high fever, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, muscle pain or cough. In adults, this state lasts about five days and seven in children.
Vaccines against Covid-19 and the flu possible at the same time
“As in previous years, the importance of vaccination promotion campaigns in order to achieve the objective of vaccination coverage of at least 75% for all target groups for which this vaccination is recommended, including professional”, can we read on the site of the High Authority of Health. A goal that is all the more important since the Covid-19 epidemic is not over.
“To be doubly protected, it is recommended for people at risk of severe flu, who are also at risk of a severe form of Covid, to do, in addition to the flu vaccination, their booster dose against Covid -19advise health insurance. The 2 vaccinations can take place during the same session. No delay between the 2 vaccinations is required”.
People considered fragile or professionals in contact with at-risk populations will have priority access to the flu vaccine until November 15. Then, everyone can be vaccinated, but those who are not among the priority people will not be reimbursed by health insurance.
You have until January 31, 2023, the end date of the vaccination campaign, to have the flu serum injected.
