Flu jab campaign under way for 2015

THE vaccination campaign for this year’s flu season is under way.

The Haut Conseil de la santé publique recommends the vaccine for those aged 65 and over, people with certain chronic illnesses, pregnant women and the families of babies under six.

Those known to be in these categories will be sent vouchers for free vaccinations (as is the case each year).

Medical staff will also be vaccinated.

The number of people intending to get vaccinated has been dropping since the H1N1 outbreak in 2009.

Health expert Caroline Bayle told TF1 this was because people no longer believed the vaccine was effective.

The vaccine is a cocktail, created to stop multiple strains of flu, however last year’s virus was not among those strains and so its effects were limited.

She said that only three out of ten people say they will get vaccinated this year and that last year 53% of those in ‘at risk’ groups received a jab.

The assurance maladie has put the cost of the grippe at €180m, however some economists say the total impact of the slowdown in business, work and consumer behaviour could push the costs as high one billion euros.

Flu vaccines can be picked up in pharmacies for under €10 and can be given by your GP or a nurse, with reimbursements at the usual rate. If you wish, you can also ask your GP to prescribe the vaccine, in which case it can be reimbursed at 65%.

Once vaccinated it takes about 15 days for the vaccine to take effect, so it is advisable not to wait for large numbers to fall ill with the flu.

See also:ERs feeling strain of flu epidemic

Photo: William Brawley