France is today beginning its national joint vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19. Objective: to strengthen the protection of the most vulnerable before winter. Doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives and hospitals are mobilized throughout the territory to administer these two vaccines, which can be received on the same day, one in each arm.
A duo campaign to protect the most vulnerable
This national operation is part of a logic of reinforced prevention, while respiratory viruses traditionally start to rise again as the holidays approach. As Dr. Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, points out, “the objective: to limit serious forms and reduce the circulation of viruses before the end-of-year holidays“. This campaign will run until January 31, 2026.
Dr Gérald Kierzek also recalls that “simultaneous access to both vaccines makes it possible to strengthen the protection of the most vulnerable populations“According to the health authorities, this double vaccination does not present any additional risk: it is therefore possible to receive both injections at the same time.”Concomitant vaccination is recommended when a person is eligible for both vaccinations, regardless of age. The 2 vaccines can be injected simultaneously on both arms. If they are not administered at the same time, you do not have a minimum time to respect between the 2 vaccinations“, specify the Prime Minister’s services in a press release.
Who can get vaccinated and how much does it cost?
Health Insurance indicates that “flu vaccines are 100% covered for people targeted by the recommendations“. These targeted people are therefore:
- People aged 65 and over;
- Those suffering from chronic illnesses (diabetes, cardiac, pulmonary, renal or hepatic pathologies);
- Immunocompromised people;
- Pregnant women;
- Residents of nursing homes or long-term care units;
- Relatives of vulnerable people and professionals in the medical-social sector.
For the rest of the population, the flu vaccine remains available in pharmacies for around ten euros. As for the Covid-19 vaccine, it remains free for everyone, whether or not we belong to the priority groups. The High Authority for Health also recommends an annual dose in the fall for people at risk, and an additional dose in the spring for the most vulnerable, in particular those over 80, the immunocompromised and residents of nursing homes.