While the influenza virus continues to propagate strongly in France, the effectiveness of the vaccine is questioned.
- This year, the flu vaccine is less effective, especially in the elderly.
- This can be explained by the absence of a more dosed vaccine, and by the more fragile immunity of the elderly.
- The concomitant circulation of three strains of the virus also reduces the effectiveness of vaccination.
The influenza epidemic continues in France. In his last bulletinpublished on January 29, Public Health France indicates that “The influenza activity continued to intensify in town and in the hospital “ During the fourth week of January and that “The indicators were increasing in all age groups “. However, this year, the vaccine seems less effective, especially in the elderly.
Flu: A vaccine, more efficient in the elderly, absent from the market
In the document published on January 29, Public Health France provides the latest estimates concerning the vaccine. Its effectiveness is “moderate “ For all risk groups with a rate of 46 %, and higher for those under 65 (62 %), than for those over 65 (31 %). On Bfm TVMargaux de Frouville, head of the health service provides some explanations. First, this year, only three vaccines are available in France, against four usually. “”Whoever is missing is the Efluelda, a highly dosed vaccine intended for the oldest, four times more dosed in antigens to be preciseindicates the journalist. We know that when people age, there is a phenomenon of immunoscence where the immune system becomes less efficient, we respond less well to infections and injections“A disagreement on its price between the French health authorities and the Sanofi Pasteur laboratory explains its absence for this year.
Vaccination against flu: several strains are rampant in France
But another factor may explain the reduced effectiveness of vaccination for this season. This year, three stumps of the flu is circulating: A (H1N1), A (H3N2) and B/Victoria. However, vaccines are manufactured well before the start of the vaccination campaign, depending on the strains of the previous year and the compositions cannot be changed during the season. “”The Ah3n2 strain is developing more and more, or we know that this strain tends to mutate more and therefore to be less faithful to what the vaccination strain contains “specifies the head of the health service of Bfmtv.
Flu: vaccination coverage below the previous years
According to the latest public health figures France, dated December 31, 2024, vaccination coverage against influenza in all people targeted by the campaign was 42.9 % and 49.8 % in people in the elderly 65 years and over. “”These vaccine covers are lower than those estimated for the 2023-2024 season on the same date “note the organization. This was also able to contribute to the appearance of more severe infections.
For this reason and “account held the low efficiency of the flu vaccine in the 65 years and over for this season (preliminary data) “, Public health France recommends “The systematic adoption of barriers (…) to help limit the circulation of respiratory viruses, including in people most at risk of serious forms “.
