The flu vaccination campaign begins this Friday, October 22, first for priority people, before being extended on November 22 for other audiences, and should last until January 31, 2022.
- The vaccination campaign starts this Friday, October 22 and will be extended to the general public on November 22.
- The government has announced the possibility of a double Covid-flu vaccination
- The virus could circulate particularly this year due to the absence of immunity due to its virtual disappearance during the health crisis.
This winter should be that of the return of “traditional” viruses, such as influenza or bronchiolitis after an almost blank year 2020, while SARS-CoV-2 is still present. To prevent an outbreak of infections, the government is launching the start of the flu vaccination campaign this Friday, October 22. This will run until January 31, 2022. “The objective is the optimal protection of the populationlaunched Jérôme Salomon, the Director General of Health, at a press conference on Thursday. After two years of absence, we must prepare.”
16 million people at risk
One of the challenges of this campaign is the simplification of the vaccination course. In a context of co-circulation of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, a “synergy of vaccination campaigns” against both infections. It will thus be possible to be vaccinated free of charge and without an appointment against the flu and against Covid-19 “at the same time, in the same place and by the same healthcare professional”, adds the Director General of Health. The High Authority for Health (HAS) assured at the end of September that this double injection is possible and without risk, provided that the two injections are carried out in two different places on the body.
The flu vaccination campaign, which already started on Monday in nursing homes, mainly targets populations at risk. It concerns “those over 65, those with a long-term illness, those who suffer from obesity and pregnant women”, clarified Jérôme Salomon. A total of 16 million people received a 100% vaccine voucher. People who did not have this voucher but who are part of at-risk populations can claim it from health professionals.
The virus already in circulation
The goal is to anticipate a winter that promises increased circulation of the flu virus. “Since March 2020, the flu virus has circulated little but it has not disappearedrecalled Jérôme Salomon. The disease remains unpredictable and a resurgence could happen.”
The absence of natural immunity acquired last winter and the decline in barrier measures could increase the risk of transmission, especially among people at risk. “A few cases were reported in early September, which is a sign that the virus is circulating welladvances Geneviève Chêne, director general of Public Health France. In Overseas, from August, signs of circulation were observed. Mayotte is already in the pre-epidemic phase.”
To prepare, the government has planned 18% more doses. “The majority of these doses are already available”, indicated Jérôme Salomon.
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