Winter flu vaccine is ready tomorrow
Over-65s, people with health problems and pregnant women will be entitled to a free jab
VACCINES against seasonal flu are now available in pharmacies around France - and will be free to pregnant women for the first time.
The jab is not compulsory, but is recommended for over-65s and those with such health issues as lung, heart or kidney problems or diabetes.
This year, the list of priority groups has also been extended to pregnant women and obese people.
These priority groups will have the cost of the vaccine and the cost of seeing a nurse fully reimbursed. They will be receiving letters in the post inviting them to get the jab.
The government's 2004 public health law set a 75% vaccination target for people in at-risk groups, but only 56% of over-65s were vaccinated last year.
Others wishing to be vaccinated will have to pay about €6 for the dose and a few euros for a nurse to administer it.
Once picked up from the pharmacy, the vaccine should be stored in a fridge until your appointment. Some companies will offer the jab to employees at their place of work.
The vaccine protects against the most common strains of flu, which hit 2.5 million people in France last year. Some 1,300 people were hospitalised last winter with severe flu and 312 died.
This year's vaccination campaign will run until January 31.
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