The 2022-2023 seasonal flu vaccination campaign began on October 18, 2022. Until November 15, the flu vaccine was reserved primarily for people at risk of a severe form (elderly, immunocompromised, chronic illnesses, pregnant women, etc.); it is now accessible to everyone.
Yes, but here it is: this Monday, November 21, 2022, the two main pharmacists’ unions sounded the alarm, because vaccination against seasonal flu is currently experiencing a “significant delay” compared to last year.
Thus, as of November 18, 2022 (i.e. 32 days after the start of the vaccination campaign), “only” 7 million doses of flu vaccine had been administered in France, compared to 8.6 million at the same time last year. last. That is a drop of 18.3%.
This year, the flu epidemic could be more intense
“It’s a bit of a mess this year“summarized to our colleagues from AFP Philippe Besset, the president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF). Especially since this drop mainly concerns “priority audiences“. The Union of Unions of Community Pharmacists (UPSO), meanwhile, judges the situation “particularly worrying“.
How can this lack of interest in flu vaccination be explained this year? Philippe Besset hypothesizes a “general fatigue with vaccination, even in those for whom it is necessary“.
However, getting vaccinated against the flu (and especially when there is a risk of a serious form) is essential. Because the UPSO affirms it: 2022 presents a “higher flu activity“to other years, which suggests”a premature and particularly intense epidemic” on French territory. It’s time to make an appointment at a pharmacy or with your doctor!
Source :West France
