top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French 'sceptical about vaccines'

Four in 10 people in France remain unconvinced that vaccines are safe, according to an international study. 

The figures mean that France - the birthplace of Louis Pasteur - is the least confident in the world about the safety of vaccines, with 41% of those surveyed disagreeing that they are safe, more than three times the global average of 12%.

Meanwhile, 17% of French people questioned doubt their effectiveness and 12% do not believe childhood vaccination is important, researchers found.

The study, by scientists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine questioned almost 66,000 people across 67 countries between September and December 2015 on whether they considered vaccines important, safe, effective and compatible with religious beliefs.

Anthropologist Heidi Larson, who led the study, said she was surprised at the negative French attitude to vaccines, but noted continuing reservations about flu vaccines following the swine flu epidemic in 2009.

"There was a furor that the government bought so much of that vaccine and a worry that it was made too quickly and couldn’t be safe," she said. 

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