Focus on Vulnerable Groups

The 2026-2027 vaccination campaign in France continues to prioritize "protecting the most vulnerable populations," including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, according to health authorities. Gregory Emery, director general of Health, noted on October 8 that while there have been "encouraging progressions," the country still needs to reach "necessary levels of protection."

Challenges in Vaccination Rates

A study by Santé publique France (SpF) confirmed in mid-September that neither the elderly and vulnerable, nor healthcare workers, are sufficiently vaccinated against the flu. This trend has worsened due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus. The 2025-2026 flu epidemic was severe, with 12,700 deaths and heavy pressure on hospitals, while the coronavirus had a minimal impact.

New Campaign and Measures

The new vaccination campaign, ending by the end of January 2027, prioritizes the most at-risk French citizens and healthcare professionals. An annual vaccination requirement for healthcare workers is also being prepared, with regulatory texts expected by the end of the first quarter of 2027. This season, 15 million flu vaccines will be available, about a million more than the previous one.

Vaccine Availability and Strategy

The vaccines available remain at five, including two more recommended for seniors: Efluelda by Sanofi and Fluad by Seqirus. The coronavirus vaccine remains accessible to everyone, even beyond the targeted groups. The vaccination will begin without the flu epidemic having started in Metropolitan France. "For now, the circulation is moderate," noted Etienne Pot, interim director general of SpF.

Virus Trends and Public Encouragement

The coronavirus, which caused an epidemic wave at the end of August to early September "which is decreasing year by year," "becomes a virus with less significant evolution" but "circulates all year round," according to Pot. This year again, health authorities have maintained the coupling of flu and coronavirus vaccinations, considering it unnecessary to advance the latter.

Improving Access and Trust

French health authorities are encouraging the public to get vaccinated "as soon as possible in October," said Gregory Emery. Access to care, perception of risk, and adherence to vaccination are factors that can be barriers. To address these, general practitioners, nurses, and midwives, as well as health centers, will now be able to have stocks of flu and coronavirus vaccines after purchasing the doses in pharmacies.

Follow-Up and Communication

The Health Insurance Fund has sent invitation vouchers to at-risk groups and will follow up with unvaccinated individuals via email and SMS. Teleconsultants will also call 250,000 insured individuals invited for the first time to get vaccinated and in a fragile situation. In a context sometimes marked by distrust or misinformation, it is necessary to "create the conditions for trust" in vaccination with "reliable, understandable, and transparent information," said Gregory Emery. "False information plays into the hands of the loss of trust, and fewer vaccinations mean more deaths," he added.