Covid-19 cases rise in France ahead of vaccination campaign

A new wave of Covid-19 is hitting France at the start of autumn, although levels of the virus are considerably lower than at the same point last year. 

Analysis of wastewater at 54 stations across France has seen an increase in the virus since the last report, announced health body Santé publique France in its latest bulletin. 

However, the number of Covid-19 cases reported by GPs has only increased slightly. 

It comes as health authorities confirmed the winter 2026/2027 Covid-19 and flu vaccination campaign will launch on October 13, with unchanged coverage rules from previous years.

Higher presence of Covid-19 in France, UK, US

Wastewater analysis is the main way French health authorities assess the presence of the virus now that it is less impactful, with many being infected without knowing and not seeking medical treatment.

This comes as the disease has morphed into a persistent, year-round illness akin to the common cold, albeit one more dangerous to those with pre-existing health conditions or vulnerabilities.

Wastewater analysis points towards an increased circulation of the virus across France at a national level compared to summer. 

This tracks with the previous post-pandemic years. Despite being a year-round illness, spikes of Covid-19 at certain points, typically in autumn, winter, and early spring are expected.

However, readings are considerably lower compared to last year. 

Readings indicate a presence of 869.9 (ratio of viral concentration to ammonium nitrogen in the water) for week 36 of 2026, compared to a reading of 2076.99 at the same week in 2025. 

A peak of 3299.74 in week 39 of 2025 seems extremely unlikely to be beaten, considering the lower levels of the virus currently present. You can see a full comparative graph here.

Data transmitted by GPs through the ‘sentinelles’ programme points towards a very small increase in confirmed clinical cases compared to previous weeks, but activity remains ‘lower’ than previous years. 

In these readings, both Covid-19 and flu are combined into a single group with other respiratory illnesses (Infection respiratoire aiguë), which combined see 102 cases per 100,000 people in France.

It is worth noting however that Santé publique France indicated an increased number of emergency room admissions for Covid-19 in recent weeks.

In comparison, the latest reports from the UK government (covering data up to September 6, week 36 of the year) indicated a small increase in Covid-19 from laboratory surveillance, but a decrease in positive tests from GP swabbing in England.

Hospital admissions remained stable, and all three recordings were at ‘baseline’ (low, and expected) levels. 

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported mixed conditions. 

“As of September 16, 2026, we estimate that Covid-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 27 states, declining or likely declining in 13 states, and not changing in 10 states,” it said.

It remains uncertain how impactful the current variant of the virus will be. 

Last year, concerns over the powerful ‘Frankenstein’ variants spreading across Europe saw health professionals fear a season of hospitalisations. However, there was not a spike in deaths compared to winter 2024/2025. 

A previous report from health authorities over Covid-19 levels at the start of September 2026 posited that the increase in cases this autumn may have been due to travellers returning from North America.

Wastewater analysis in the continent revealed a similar increase in Covid-19 presence over the end of summer, but this has so far come without an equal spike in hospitalisations.

Covid and flu vaccination season 

The government has announced that the flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaigns will again be combined for the upcoming season, allowing people to receive both vaccinations at the same time (one in each arm) if they wish. 

There are minor changes to the programme this year, as more healthcare professionals – including nurses – will be able to both prescribe and administer the vaccinations. 

Another change is that patients aged 65+ will be urged to receive one of two specific flu vaccines: Efluelda (a high-dose vaccine) or Fluad (which contains an adjuvant).

However, they can still opt for the standard dosage if they wish, but the default vaccine offered will likely be one of the two mentioned above.

Outside of this, there are no changes to the vaccination process nor coverage. 

Physical flu jab ‘vouchers’ will be sent through the post to people who are subscribed to France’s state health insurance (Assurance Maladie), have a carte Vitale health card, and fall into one of the following categories: 

• People aged 65 and over

• People under 65, including children as young as six months old, suffering from certain chronic illnesses (more information available here)

• Pregnant women

• People suffering from obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40

• People staying in a post-acute care facility or a residential medical-social facility, regardless of age

In addition, vouchers are available for those who are not vulnerable themselves but who work with vulnerable people and animals including:

• Healthcare professionals and any professional in regular and prolonged contact with people at risk

• Those close to infants under six months at risk of serious complications from the flu and those close to immunocompromised individuals

• Home helpers for those in the vulnerable groups above

• Professionals exposed to swine and avian (bird) influenza viruses, to prevent the transmission of human influenza viruses to animals

People belonging to any of these groups who do not receive a voucher – often the case for pregnant women, clinically obese people etc where records are not held – can visit a health professional to ask about receiving one, bringing proof of their condition.

Under 11s will not receive a voucher but must obtain a prescription from a healthcare professional.

You must manually make the appointment yourself – at a GP, pharmacist, or with another health professional approved to give the vaccine – bringing your voucher and carte Vitale with you. 

If you do not fall into one of the groups who receive a free flu voucher, you can buy a vaccine yourself from a pharmacist and then make an appointment with them (or another health professional) to receive the jab. 

Prices can vary based on the vaccine type but cost around €6 - €10.

You must also pay for the cost of the vaccination ‘appointment’, where the jab is administered.

Vaccines for children aged 2 - 17 not in any of the groups above receive coverage at 65% for the cost of the vaccine, however for other groups they must pay full price, although their top-up mutuelle may cover some of the costs.

The Covid-19 vaccine remains free for everyone subscribed to Assurance Maladie, both for the vaccine itself and the appointment to administer it. 

However, reimbursement for the vaccination appointment falls under the usual rules (60% to 70% coverage depending on who administers the vaccine, with the rest usually covered through your mutuelle). 

It remains optional, but is highly recommended for people who are: 

• Aged 65 and over

• Living with a comorbidity (including complicated hypertension, chronic cardiac, vascular, hepatic, renal, and pulmonary conditions, diabetes, obesity, cancer, or are transplant recipients). People with Down syndrome and dementia were added to this list last year

• Immunocompromised

• Pregnant

• Residents of a nursing home (EHPAD) or elderly-person care facility

• Living in the immediate circle of or in regular contact with immunocompromised or vulnerable people

• Professionals in the healthcare and social care sectors

You can receive the vaccine provided you have not been infected with Covid-19 in the last six months (three if you belong to one of the vulnerable groups listed above).