Covid-19 vaccine in France: Your questions answered

We answer your FAQs about the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine in France, which started officially on December 27

6 May 2021

By Connexion journalist

France’s public rollout of the vaccine began on January 18, starting with those aged over 75 and those at high risk of developing serious forms of Covid-19.

For daily vaccination figures, see our article here.

The government's objective is to have offered a vaccine to all willing adults by the end of the summer.

Four vaccines have been approved for use in France: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. All require two doses for full efficacy except the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one.

When will I get my vaccine against Covid-19 in France?

All people aged 50+ years old in France are now able to receive a vaccination at designated centres, pharmacies or their GP. Learn more about how to book your vaccine if you are in this age group.

Covid vaccination in France opens to all adults with health issues - as well as 16 and 17-year-olds with certain conditions

All adults can check daily and book a spare vaccination slot if it is available the following day.

From May 31, all over 18s will be eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination - Covid France: Vaccinations for all adults brought forward to May 31

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being administered in vaccination centres. The AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are being administered by certain GPs or nurses and at certain pharmacies. The Moderna vaccine was initially being given in vaccination centres and will still be used there for second doses, but will now mainly be rolled out in GP practices and pharmacies participating in the vaccination campaign.

Other categories of people eligible for vaccination:

Everyone working in the health sector
Certain other professions, such as care workers, emergency service workers, vets, etc. Find out more here (in French).

How to book a Covid-19 vaccine in France

Information on booking a vaccine appointment at a centre near you can be found on sante.fr.

Equally, you can arrange an appointment on booking platforms, Doctolib.fr, Maiia and Keldoc.

You can also use the online tool Vite Ma Dose to rapidly find the next vaccination appointment available in your area.

There have been a lot of questions about whether those with private insurance (i.e. no carte Vitale) can receive the vaccine in France. The Ministry of Health and the British Embassy in Paris has confirmed that everyone who is a resident in France, even if they do not have a carte Vitale, will be able to receive the vaccine.

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