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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
As the new flu vaccination campaign begins in France in a few days, Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, takes stock of the 3 vaccines to have for a better protected winter.
On October 15, the new flu vaccination campaign opens in conjunction with the new Covid 19 vaccination campaign.
The 3 vaccines to take when you are at risk
It is before the winter epidemics arrive that we must think about protecting ourselves. But despite information campaigns, vaccination coverage in France remains well below the national, European and global objective of 75%. Vaccination coverage is only 54% among people aged 65 and over for the season. 2023-2024 according to the service-public site.
And according to our medical director, it is not one vaccine, but three that should be considered, particularly in populations at risk.
The seasonal flu vaccine
The official campaign starts on October 15. “The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended and reimbursed for people aged 65 and over, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, etc. recalls Dr. Kierzek. Vaccination is therefore offered as a priority:
- People aged 65 and over;
- To people under 65 suffering from certain chronic illnesses (including children aged 6 months and over);
- Pregnant women;
- To people suffering from obesity;
- To people staying in a follow-up care establishment or in a medico-social accommodation establishment, whatever their age.
This vaccination is also recommended for people in regular contact with or around vulnerable people (infants under 6 months old, people at risk listed above, etc.).
“Every year, more than 10,000 people die in France from the flu, according to Santé Publique France, the equivalent of an average French commune disappearing.”
The COVID-19 vaccine
October 15 also marks the new vaccination campaign against Covid 19, whether joint or not with the flu. Eligible people can receive both vaccinations, either concomitantly at two different injection sites or in a sequenced manner.
“It is recommended for the same groups as the flu vaccine, as well as for people with psychiatric disorders, dementia or Down syndrome.”
Vaccination against the two diseases is also recommended for those close to these vulnerable people, as well as for professionals in the medical and social sector.
As a reminder, flu and Covid-19 vaccines can be administered by a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or midwife. Vaccination against Covid-19 is free for everyone.
The vaccine against pneumococcal infections
Finally, our expert advises also using the vaccine against pneumococcal infections this winter, to be perfectly protected and limit the risk of complications/superinfection by pneumococcus.
To this end, vaccination is now simplified:
- A new 15-valent conjugate vaccine (Vaxneuvance) is introduced for infants;
- For adults over 18 years of age at risk, the 20-valent conjugate vaccine (Prevenar) is recommended.
As a reminder, the vaccine against pneumococcal infections can be prescribed and administered by :
- A doctor or midwife for all audiences;
- A pharmacist or nurse for people over 11 years old.
Slide: These vaccines that should not be forgotten in adulthood