Flu vaccine in pharmacies now

Flu vaccines are now available in pharmacies across France.

Medical authority theAssurance maladie recommends the jabs for those more at risk; the elderly, asthma sufferers and people with diabetes.

It will fully reimburse the cost of the flu vaccine to those aged 65 and over, those with long term illnesses d'Affections de longue durée (ALD) such as diabetes, epilepsy, HIV, bronchitis, lung and heart problems.

Last year only five million people out of the nine million who are eligible for free vaccinations took up the offer.

Vaccines for these people will be available free until January 31, 2009.

Those who paid for the vaccine last year can get it for free this year without having to see their doctor first.

The jab can also be administered by a nurse without having to go via the doctor's.

For more information you can visit the website www.grippe-geig.com (site in French).