Initially scheduled to end on January 31, the 2025-2026 flu vaccination campaign is playing into overtime. This Tuesday, the government justified this decision by a still “significant” circulation of influenza viruses and a vaccination coverage rate considered “insufficient” among the most vulnerable.
Indeed, in mid-January, almost all metropolitan regions remained at the epidemic stage. In addition, associated mortality is already reaching worrying heights. So is there still time to get vaccinated? We asked the question to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
A virus that does not weaken: the risk of rebound
If the epidemic peak seems to have been reached at the end of December 2025 in the emergency room, vigilance remains essential.
Dr Kierzek confirms that the flu epidemic is still ongoing throughout mainland France, with active circulation of viruses despite a decline observed among adults.
However, one phenomenon particularly worries the authorities. They have noted the resumption of viral circulation among the youngest since the start of the Christmas holidays. This increase in healthcare use among children could lead, through a knock-on effect, to an increase in hospitalizations among adults.
Modeling from the Pasteur Institute and Public Health France does not rule out a rebound in contamination, with uncertainty remaining “high”.
“Better late than never” according to our expert
Many wonder about the usefulness of an injection when winter is already well underway. For Dr Gérald Kierzek, the answer is unequivocal.
“Yes, it is still worth getting a flu vaccine at the end of January 2026, because the epidemic remains active and protection is relevant for up to six months.”
He points out that maximum protection is achieved two weeks after the injection and that it is preferable to act now rather than remaining exposed. “Better late than never during an active epidemic. Strengthened vaccines, particularly those adjuvanted or at high doses for those over 65, make it possible to effectively boost immunity against serious forms.
This year, the vaccine is showing “moderate but real effectiveness”, including among seniors, which remains a crucial barrier to avoid going to intensive care.
Protecting the most vulnerable in the face of a heavy toll
The figures from last season still haunt the health authorities: 17,600 deaths were recorded, compared to 10,000 on average in previous years. A heavy toll, partially linked to too low vaccination coverage.
Currently, only 53.3% of people aged 65 and over are vaccinated, even though they represent more than half of intensive care admissions. Among these serious patients, almost three quarters had not received their injection.
The extension of the campaign therefore primarily targets the target audiences:
- Seniors over 65;
- People with chronic illnesses or obesity (BMI ≥ 40);
- Pregnant women and immunocompromised people;
- Caregivers and residents in nursing homes.
Finally, Dr Gérald Kierzek concludes by recalling that the vaccine reduces hospitalizations by 40 to 60% on average.
In a context where respiratory viruses, including influenza and Covid-19, still saturate our healthcare services, this simple gesture remains the most effective prevention tool to save lives between now and the end of the season.