Covid France: Will I receive vaccine letter as for flu?

*This article was updated on 14/01/2021 due to newly published information

Reader question: We are over 80 and we normally get a postal invitation for the flu vaccine. Will we get the same invite for the Covid jab?

During flu season in France, vulnerable people - those over 65 or with underlying health issues - receive a voucher in the post from the French state health insurance service Assurance Maladie that they can take to a doctor or pharmacy to get a vaccination.

France flu jab season: A guide to getting vaccinated

A similar system will be set up for the Covid-19 vaccination, although it will also be possible to book your own appointment online or by telephone.

“Letters will gradually be sent by Assurance-Maladie to each elderly person, like a voucher for flu vaccination. This will enable people to register," said Dr Alain Fischer, who is leading France’s Covid vaccination campaign.

He said that starting from January 22, people eligible for the vaccine should receive a letter with information about booking an appointment at their nearest vaccine centre.

From January 14, those aged 75 and over will be able to book appointments for Covid vaccinations online and by telephone.

This can be done either via the government portal sante.fr, or via the reservation platforms Doctolib, Maiia and KelDoc.

Telephone numbers for making reservations directly with vaccination centres will also be made available on online platforms on January 14.

Read more about booking an appointment online here: Online vaccine reservations open this week

Read more:

When will over 65s with health issues be vaccinated?

Does France have enough vaccine doses?

New system to allow people in France to get Covid jab early