With winter coming and a flu responsible for 12,700 deaths last year, the French authorities want to avoid an influx into hospitals. In a “DGS-Urgent” message dated September 22, 2026, the General Directorate of Health (DGS) speaks of “a major public health issue” about the prevention of seasonal flu and Covid-19. She announces the launch of a campaign
joint vaccination which will begin in mainland France from October 13, 2026.
The DGS and Public Health France explain that this 2026-2027 campaign mainly targets people over 65, chronically ill people, pregnant women and caregivers. The “main objective” is to “protect the most fragile populations”. During the winter of 2025-2026, anti-flu coverage only reached 49.6% of people at risk and 56.7% of those aged 65 and over, well below the objective of 75% set by the authorities.
Flu and Covid: how will the joint vaccination on October 13 be carried out?
In the DGS-Urgent message n°2026_12, the Directorate General of Health indicates that “Vaccination campaigns against seasonal flu and Covid-19 will be carried out jointly from October 13“. Eligible people will be able to receive both injections on the same day, at two different sites, often one vaccine per arm. If the vaccines are not administered together, no minimum delay is required. Only Mayotte and Reunion follow an adapted schedule.
The DGS reminds that doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, as well as pharmacy technicians and students can vaccinate, depending on their skills. For people at risk, the flu vaccine is 100% covered via a Health Insurance voucher; outside of these audiences, it remains the responsibility of the patient. For Covid-19, “anyone wishing to be vaccinated, even if they are not part of the target, can receive an injection against Covid-19 for free“, specifies the DGS.
Who has priority for flu and Covid vaccines this year?
The recommendations are primarily aimed at people at risk : 65 years and over, pregnant women, immunocompromised people, residents of nursing homes or medico-social establishments, patients with chronic respiratory, cardiac, renal, hepatic, neurological diseases or diabetes, as well as people with a BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m². Added to this are those around vulnerable infants and immunocompromised people, and all healthcare professionals or those in regular contact with vulnerable groups.
For Covid-19, the same categories are targeted, with the addition of people with Down syndrome, psychiatric disorders or dementia. Public Health France recalls that the flu affects nearly 6 million French people each year and causes around 10,000 deaths, including nine out of ten after the age of 65. Last winter, it caused another 12,700 deaths, after 17,900 deaths the previous year.
What changes in 2026-2027: new flu vaccines and obligation for caregivers
For those aged 65 and over, the DGS recommends vaccines
Eflueldaat high dose, and Fluadwith adjuvant, others remaining possible.
It also states that “The 2026-2027 campaign therefore constitutes the first year of deployment of this obligation.” vaccination for the professionals concerned, before an enforceable framework expected by the first quarter of 2027.