top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

France Covid: How long after my fourth vaccine dose can I have fifth?

We look at the recommended gap between doses as a new booster campaign begins in France

A new Covid vaccine booster dose campaign has begun in France this week Pic: Rido / Shutterstock

Reader Question: Flu vaccine letters have been sent to us and an invitation to get a Covid vaccine at the same time. However, we had our fourth vaccine last May and I am not sure if a fifth will be available to us (over-70s) in November, which will be six months after the fourth vaccine. 

A new Covid booster vaccine campaign was launched in France on October 3, as the eighth wave of the virus continues. 

Read more: New Covid vaccine campaign to begin for at-risk groups in France

Read more: RECAP: France’s booster campaign with ‘new’ Covid vaccines launches

Adapted Pfizer and Moderna vaccines designed specifically to tackle Omicron subvariants are being offered, where available, to several at-risk groups who are being prioritised in the new campaign.

Read more: France approves three vaccines adapted to Covid Omicron subvariants

These groups are: 

  • Over-60s

  • Care home residents 

  • Immunosuppressed patients 

  • Pregnant women, from the first trimester

  • Adults with health conditions making them particularly vulnerable to serious forms of Covid 

  • People who have very regular contact or live with those who are most vulnerable

  • Healthcare workers 

It is possible to have another booster, even if you have already had one or two before, however, over-80s and care home residents can only receive this booster if they have not had a vaccine dose or Covid itself within the last three months. 

Everyone else must also wait three months after having Covid or six months after their previous vaccine dose.

Therefore, you are correct in thinking that you will become eligible for the fifth vaccine dose in November, six months after your fourth in May. 

This vaccination campaign is being carried out in tandem with the flu vaccination campaign, which is set to begin on October 18. 

Eligible people are encouraged to receive both jabs at the same time: one in each arm.

Most pharmacies around France now offer Covid jabs and it should be possible for you to book a vaccination appointment through websites such as Doctolib and ViteMaDose.  

Related articles 

‘Eighth wave of Covid imminent in France’ says health ministry

Coronavirus: Daily updates on the situation in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France