top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

‘Flu jabs run low in France as more opt for vaccine

The number of people receiving ‘flu vaccinations in France is finally on the rise, with stocks of the jab running low for the first time ever in a winter season.

After several years of campaigning to increase the number of people receiving the jab, health minister Agnès Buzyn has confirmed that “the message is starting to get through”.

Nearly all of the vaccination stocks have been used, she said, but she encouraged people to get vaccinated anyway, as she is ordering more supplies to arrive as soon as possible.

The ‘flu season has not yet arrived this year, Ms Buzyn said, so there is “still time to get vaccinated” if you have not yet had the jab.

This year, the vaccination will not only protect against the ‘flu expected to hit France, but also against a ‘flu-like virus that is spreading in the southern hemisphere, she said.

In recent years, France has mounted anti-’flu campaigns from the month of October onwards, encouraging people to get the vaccination, and offering extra help for anyone concerned.

The vaccination is especially recommended for anyone aged 65 and over, anyone with a chronic illness - such as diabetes, heart or lung problems -; pregnant women; and the morbidly obese.

Yet, younger people can also benefit, as the illness can prove dangerous for everyone.

Similarly, a high level of immune protection among the healthy population can help protect those who cannot receive the vaccination due to health problems - known as “herd immunity”.

Ms Buzyn said: “This is the first time in France that we have almost used up all the vaccination stocks ordered for the French population. We had even increased the stocks by 10% [this year] compared to last year.

“I am trying to get more as quickly as possible, and will announce this as soon as new stocks arrive in the next few days. We should all be well protected.”

‘Flu can be deadly. In 2017-18, 13,000 people in France died from the illness, of which 85% were aged over 75.

Last year, the ‘flu season was especially long; arrived early (in the first week of October); and saw a rise in the number of hospitalisations compared to previous years.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers 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