According to the latest data from Public Health France, vaccination coverage is increasing among the youngest. On the other hand, flu vaccination is declining among older people.
- Santé Publique France publishes its latest barometer of vaccination in France, with figures for 2023.
- Vaccination coverage is improving among children and adolescents.
- On the other hand, in adults, vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 remains insufficient.
“Vaccination is the most effective means of prevention to protect against many infectious diseases.remember Public Health France. On the occasion of European Vaccination Week, organized from April 22 to 28, the organization publishes its Health Barometer with vaccination figures in the country for 2023.
Vaccination: more than 80% of French people are in favor of vaccination
The objective of Santé Publique France is to improve vaccination coverage and therefore the population’s support for vaccination. According to its figures, 84% of people questioned in mainland France say they are in favor of vaccination. “With an upward trend in the proportion of people very favorable to vaccination compared to 2022″, notes the organization. These figures are lower among people “with the lowest qualifications or income”and tend to decrease among older people, compared to previous years.
Vaccination on the rise among infants and adolescents
Beyond adherence to vaccination, the data also shows changes in vaccination coverage in the country. For the youngest, the figures are increasing. “Among the newly recommended vaccines, there is a significant increase in vaccination coverage, at least one dose at 8 months, against meningococcus B: 75% for infants born in 2023 vs. 49% for infants born in 2022., observes Santé Publique France. Overall, vaccination coverage for mandatory vaccines is high. “It should be noted, however, that vaccination coverage of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is progressing little and is still below the vaccination coverage objective of 95% to be achieved for the elimination of measles., underlines Public Health France. For adolescents, vaccination coverage against meningococcus C increased by 4.2 points compared to the previous year.
Flu, Covid-19: too low vaccination coverage for over 65s
The trend is opposite among the oldest. Flu vaccination is decreasing among those over 65. “It stands at 54% among those aged 65 and over during the 2023-2024 season, a drop of 2.2 points compared to the previous season., specifies the press release. Among those under 65 at risk of severe form, vaccination reaches 25%, a drop of 6.2 points compared to 2022-2023. Regarding Covid-19, vaccination coverage is 30% among those aged 65 and over. “Vaccination coverage against influenza and Covid-19 therefore remains insufficient among people with risk factors.estimates Public Health France.
Vaccination: a solution to combat the resurgence of certain diseases
For the public health organization, it is necessary to remember that vaccination is essential. “HASToday, certain levels of vaccination coverage remain insufficient, leading to a resurgence of preventable diseases such as measles, the circulation of which had been interrupted in France since the Covid-19 pandemic, he alerts. Internationally, the WHO was concerned in February 2024 about the rapid spread of measles around the world. In France, the 2023 epidemiological report indicates an eight-fold increase in the number of cases in 2023 compared to 2022.” According to WHO figures, 2 to 3 million deaths are avoided each year thanks to vaccination.
