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Having started early this year, the influenza epidemic experienced a high intensity at the end of the year. If now it seems to be on a phase of calm, the virus is still present and still circulating. So much so that the government has just announced the extension of the vaccination campaign until February 28, 2023.
The data from Public Health France are clear: the circulation of influenza viruses is still active in mainland France and overseas, even if the epidemic phase is now behind us. Nevertheless, the health authorities are playing it safe and the flu vaccination campaign has been extended until February 28, 2023. As a reminder, it started on October 18, 2022.
Who are the people affected by the vaccine?
The people concerned by the flu vaccination are those at risk of developing a serious form of the disease. According to the Health Insurance, 2000 people over 65 are saved by the vaccine each year. Among the people most at risk and for whom the flu vaccine is recommended are:
- People aged 65 and over;
- People under 65 suffering from certain chronic diseases (list of eligible people in the vaccination schedule);
- Pregnant women regardless of the trimester of pregnancy;
- People suffering from obesity (body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40);
- The entourage of infants under 6 months at risk of serious complications from the flu;
- The entourage of immunocompromised people;
- Vaccination against influenza is also recommended for health professionals and all professionals in regular and prolonged contact with people at risk of severe influenza, such as home helpers, for example.
Anyone can get vaccinated against the flu on medical prescription or by buying their vaccine directly. The people mentioned above receive an invitation to be vaccinated by mail every year. The letter contains a voucher, to be presented to your pharmacist, to collect the vaccine or do it directly on site. Indeed, the flu vaccine can be administered by a doctor but also a midwife, a pharmacist or a nurse. Be careful however, before the age of 16, a medical prescription is necessary to be vaccinated by a nurse or a pharmacist.
Do not forget the barrier gestures
At present, more than 9 million French people have been vaccinated against the flu this year. Once vaccinated, the body takes a fortnight to produce the antibodies, for optimal protection.
It should also be remembered that it is quite possible to be vaccinated against Covid-19 at the same time as the flu, the two vaccines targeting almost similar populations. Finally, it is important to keep in mind the barrier gestures (wearing a mask in poorly ventilated closed places, regular hand washing, ventilation of the premises, etc.) and to apply them, to limit the risk of contamination, whatever the virus.