The vast majority of French people (70%) are now aware that the flu vaccine is the first line of defense against the flu virus (77% among those aged 65 and older). This is according to a recent BVA survey conducted for the French National Health Insurance in September 2018¹.

An even larger number (95%) recognize that the flu can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications in vulnerable individuals.

This opinion poll also shows that more than one in two French people still hold misconceptions, particularly regarding the vaccine’s safety. However, all individuals aged 65 and older who were vaccinated last year say they are ready to get vaccinated again this year. The hardest part, therefore, seems to be taking that first step, because once adopted, vaccination becomes a habit to be repeated every year.

It is therefore important to establish a vaccination routine as winter approaches, particularly among those newly invited to get vaccinated and those who have never taken the plunge in previous years. Vaccination coverage among these so-called "first-time vaccine recipients" remains low, at around 10% last year.

To encourage and facilitate the adoption of this habit, the vaccination process has been simplified. Thus, since the start of the vaccination campaign launched on October 6, all adults for whom the flu vaccine is recommended can now pick up their vaccine at a pharmacy simply by presenting their health insurance coverage voucher. They can then get vaccinated by the healthcare professional of their choice: a nurse, doctor, or midwife (for pregnant women and those caring for infants at risk of severe flu). In four regions (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Occitanie), volunteer pharmacists can also administer the vaccine.

The 2018 information campaign aims to present flu vaccination—the first line of defense for vulnerable individuals—as a habit to adopt. Delayed this year by three weeks compared to the launch of the vaccination campaign, it will therefore begin on Friday, October 26, the day before the switch to standard time. As the winter season approaches, the campaign is fully positioned to fulfill its role as a warning.

Encouraging vulnerable individuals to get vaccinated is also the mission of healthcare professionals. They must set an example by getting vaccinated themselves so as not to inadvertently contribute to the spread of the infection.

In this regard, we should commend the commitment this year of the seven national associations of healthcare professionals (doctors, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, dental surgeons, massage therapists and physical therapists, and podiatrists) who have jointly committed to promoting vaccination among healthcare professionals by signing a charter.

See also

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin No. 34.

Influenza Epidemiological Bulletin, Week 41. 2018–2019 Season.