Key Points

For Pregnant Women

For pregnant women, four vaccinations are recommended: vaccinations against pertussis
, influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These vaccinations
help protect both the pregnant woman and the newborn until the baby receives their first vaccinations, when they are most vulnerable to infections.

In 2025, more than 69% of women who gave birth in the region were vaccinated against
pertussis. This vaccination coverage has risen sharply since 2023 (+35 percentage points).

During the 2025–2026 RSV immunization campaign, 54% of
eligible pregnant women in Occitanie were vaccinated against RSV. This figure represents a significant
increase compared to the 2024–2025 campaign (+20 percentage points), when this vaccination was first implemented. If the mother was not vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy, the infant can be protected from birth through an injection of monoclonal antibodies.

Estimates of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination coverage are not very reliable, but suggest low uptake
.

For people aged 65 and older

For people aged 65 and older, vaccinations against pneumococcal disease and shingles
have been recommended for everyone since 2025, in addition to vaccinations against seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and booster shots against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio (DTP). Vaccination against RSV infections is also recommended starting at age 75, and for people aged 65 to 74 with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions. These vaccinations are part of a strategy to protect older adults against respiratory infections, which are responsible for numerous hospitalizations and complications such as cardiovascular events, cognitive decline, and loss of independence.

In Occitanie, flu vaccination coverage among people aged 65 and older increased by nearly 3 percentage points—for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic—with nearly 56% of people vaccinated during the 2025–2026 season. However, it still falls short of the 75% target set by the World Health Organization. 

In Occitanie, 27% of people aged 65 and older at high risk for pneumococcal infections were properly vaccinated against pneumococcal infections in 2025. Furthermore, only 7% of people aged 65 and older were vaccinated against shingles in 2025.

Booster shots against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio (DTP) are insufficient, with 46% of people aged 70 and older vaccinated.

Among residents and staff working in long-term care facilities for the elderly

For residents and staff working in long-term care facilities for the elderly (Ehpad), vaccinations against the flu and COVID-19 are recommended in addition to preventive measures to protect the most vulnerable individuals.
Among residents in long-term care facilities, flu vaccination coverage was high, with 82% of them vaccinated during the 2025–2026 season, exceeding the 75% threshold recommended by the WHO. COVID-19 vaccination coverage, however, was lower, estimated at 60%.

Among healthcare professionals working in long-term care facilities, flu vaccination coverage remains insufficient, with only 24% vaccinated despite recommendations.

Vaccination Uptake

Vaccination acceptance in Occitanie in 2024 was among the lowest in the country, including among seniors, with 79% of those aged 65 to 79 stating they were generally in favor of vaccination.