When, where, how: 2024-2025 flu vaccinations in France
The new campaign begins on October 15. Here are the details and how to get a jab
The 2024-2025 vaccination campaign will begin in France on October 15
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The new flu and Covid vaccination campaigns are set to start in France on October 15, with vulnerable people among those who are particularly advised to get vaccinated.
“As recommended by la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), the two vaccination campaigns against Covid-19 and influenza will be conducted jointly," said health authority Direction générale de la santé (DGS) in a press release on September 17.
10,000 people die from flu in France every year, the Ministry of Health states, with vaccination estimated to prevent 2,000 additional deaths.
Those considered to be vulnerable and at risk of a severe form of the illness should be vaccinated from the start of the campaign, because vaccines typically take around two weeks to gain full effect.
Getting vaccinated early will offer maximum protection as the flu epidemic occurs. It generally begins each year from November onwards and sometimes lasts until April. It tends to peak from December to January. Vaccination coverage lasts around six months.
Read also: Flu vaccination campaign extended due to rise in cases in France (2023-24)
Who is considered vulnerable?
The Ministry of Health recommends that priority be given to those at risk of serious complications, and considered ‘vulnerable’, including:
those aged 65 and over
those with chronic illnesses (cardiovascular, lung, diabetes, etc.),
those with immunodeficiency
the severely obese
pregnant women
family and friends of these vulnerable people, including medical and care professionals.
Is the vaccine free?
Those considered vulnerable can receive the vaccination without charge as it is covered by the Assurance maladie. Eligible individuals should receive a voucher sent to their home address which can be presented at a pharmacy to receive the vaccine for free.
If you believe you are eligible for a free vaccine but have not received (or have lost) the voucher, you can ask your doctor, midwife, nurse or pharmacist to check your eligibility. If eligible they can provide a form that will enable you to be fully reimbursed.
Those who are not eligible for a free vaccination can still be vaccinated if they wish by purchasing the vaccines directly at a pharmacy. Since 2023, vaccination has also been open to children aged two and over (although pharmacists cannot vaccinate those aged under 16).
How much does the vaccine cost?
There are two separate costs: the price of the vaccine itself, and the cost of having the injection.
Reimbursed at 100% for those considered to be at risk (see above)
Cost of the vaccine itself is €6-10 at pharmacies
Cost of having the injection is reimbursed by 70%
If a doctor gives the injection, the charge is included in the consultation fee. If carried out by a pharmacist or nurse, the price is €6.30 (in mainland France), with €1.89 left to pay (€4.41 being reimbursable).
Read also: Adult vaccines in France: check here that you are protected
What protection does the vaccine offer?
The vaccine protects people against seasonal flu by:
“The effectiveness of the flu vaccine is not absolute, because not all the virus strains responsible for epidemics are present in the vaccine,” said Professor Vincent Dubée, a doctor specialising in infectious and tropical diseases at the CHU in Angers, to Le Journal des Femmes Santé.
“The vaccine is also less effective in some people because they have a weaker immune system. It is possible to get the flu even if you've been vaccinated,” he said.
He added that if falling ill after having been vaccinated, it would be due to a different strain of the virus to the ones contained in the vaccine.
Who can be vaccinated at a pharmacy?
Those who can be vaccinated a pharmacy include:
Adults considered to be vulnerable, with the exception of people with a history of severe allergic reaction to ovalbumin or to a previous vaccination
Adults who are not considered to be vulnerable
Minors aged 16 and over, who do not have certain allergies, but who are at higher risk of severe illness
Pharmacists cannot give the flu vaccine to minors under the age of 16.
Read also: French pharmacies can prescribe and give vaccines: we explain which
What are the names of the flu vaccines?
The vaccines being used in this campaign are:
Influvac® Tetra (from 6 months of age): quadrivalent surface antigen vaccine against seasonal influenza.
Fluarix Tetra (from 6 months): quadrivalent inactivated split-virion seasonal influenza vaccine.
Vaxigrip Tetra (from 6 months): quadrivalent influenza vaccine (inactivated, split-virion).
Health authorities have confirmed that the Efluelda vaccine has been replaced by the VaxigripTetra vaccine.
Do I need a prescription for the flu vaccine?
No, you do not need a prescription for a flu vaccination, even if you are not in an at-risk group, and whether you have the vaccination at a pharmacy or a GP surgery.
What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?
Severe side effects are rare after a flu vaccination.The most common include:
Inflammation, pain, aching, and/or redness at the injection site
Weak reaction/slight illness including muscle or joint pain may over the next two days, which go away within 48 hours
“The risk of serious side-effects linked to the vaccine, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, [immune system disorder] remains much lower than the risk of serious complications directly linked to the flu itself, including Guillain-Barré syndrome,” the Ministry of Health states, adding that allergic reactions are very rare (one case in every 450,000 vaccinated).
What are the contraindications to the flu vaccine?
You should not have the vaccine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or components, or to trace residues such as eggs or chicken protein. If you are in any doubt, contact your GP or pharmacist, and check the vaccine’s leaflet for a full list of contraindications.
You should also postpone the vaccination if currently ill with fever.
