France targets high-risk groups with flu vaccination drive

France has started a flu vaccination campaign aimed at people over 65, those with existing health conditions, and pregnant women. The initiative seeks to protect the most vulnerable from severe complications of the flu, which can be particularly dangerous for these groups.

Flu vaccine coverage remains below global recommendations

Vaccine coverage in France has been declining since 2021, reaching 53.7% overall in 2025. This is below the World Health Organization's recommended 75% for at-risk individuals, highlighting a gap in public health efforts.

Public perception of flu vaccine lags behind other vaccines

A survey by a research network in the summer of 2025 found that the flu vaccine is less favorably viewed compared to vaccines for hepatitis B, HPV, measles, or vaccines in general. This suggests a need for improved public education and trust-building around the flu vaccine.

Reasons for low vaccination rates identified

Patrick Marcel Peretti-Watel, a sociologist at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), noted that 41.6% of unvaccinated people in Metropolitan France cited the vaccine's ineffectiveness as a barrier. Fear of side effects and opposition to vaccination were also cited, though less frequently.

Flu vaccine reduces disease and hospitalization risks

Dr. Duc Nguyen, a doctor at the infectious and tropical diseases department at the University Hospital of Bordeaux, stated that the flu vaccine reduces the risk of having the disease by 30% and the risk of hospitalization by nearly 40%. It also helps reduce the spread of the virus in the general population.

Scandinavian approach contrasts with French reluctance

In Scandinavian countries, children are vaccinated against the flu to protect at-risk populations. This reflects cultural differences and greater trust in health authorities, contrasting with the more hesitant attitude in France.

Rural populations and healthcare workers show low coverage

Patrick Marcel Peretti-Watel highlighted that people in rural areas, who feel mistreated by public authorities, are more reluctant to get vaccinated. Healthcare workers, especially in nursing homes, have a vaccination coverage of only 25%, despite working with vulnerable individuals.

Post-pandemic distrust affects vaccine acceptance

The implementation of a bivalent COVID-19 flu vaccine has not favored the flu vaccine. The health crisis of 2019 and 2020, including vaccination mandates, has reinforced distrust, with many people feeling forced to accept vaccines without being convinced of their effectiveness or safety.

Flu vaccine linked to cardiovascular risks

Dr. Nguyen emphasized the importance of the flu vaccine in preventing cardiovascular risks, noting that the risk of hospitalization for a heart attack in the seven days following a flu episode is multiplied by six, underscoring the vaccine's protective role.

Efforts to boost coverage include mobile outreach

Efforts are underway to increase vaccination coverage, including mobile teams in university hospitals to inform healthcare workers. However, a small portion of people remain opposed, and an eventual vaccination mandate could be counterproductive, with barely half of the French population in favor of such a mandate even if restricted to healthcare workers.