For the second year running, at-risk individuals can benefit from double vaccination

Once again this year, people at risk will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19 in a single medical visit. From Tuesday October 15, the new combined vaccination campaign will begin, enabling the most vulnerable to receive both vaccines simultaneously. “The aim is to anchor this double vaccination in annual habits”, stresses Sarah Sauneron, Deputy Director General of Health. Franceinfo reports on this new campaign and answers the main questions.

Who is concerned by this double vaccination campaign?

Vaccination against Covid-19 and influenza is primarily aimed at people at risk of developing serious forms of these diseases. This includes people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with co-morbidities (diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic illnesses, etc.), and immunocompromised people. For Covid-19, other specific groups, such as people with Down’s syndrome or dementia, are also invited to be vaccinated.

Ehpad residents, caregivers and professionals in the medico-social sector are also encouraged to protect themselves with this double vaccination. In addition, workers exposed to swine or avian viruses should be vaccinated to avoid transmission of human viruses to animals. Finally, anyone wishing to protect themselves against Covid-19 can be vaccinated free of charge.

For influenza vaccination, children aged 2 to 17 with co-morbidities can receive a free dose on medical prescription, while others will have to pay for part of the injection.

How will the vaccination take place?

Targeted individuals have already received a vaccination coupon by mail, enabling them to pick up their vaccine free of charge at pharmacies. Nearly 17.3 million letters have been sent out,” says Geneviève Motyka, medical advisor to the Caisse nationale d’assurance-maladie.

Vaccines can be administered by doctors, nurses and midwives. However, certain rules differ depending on the profession: for example, nurses are only authorized to administer the flu vaccine to people over the age of 11. If you wish to vaccinate a child against both diseases, it is advisable to consult a doctor or midwife. Pharmacists and dentists are authorized to vaccinate adults only.

It is possible to receive both vaccinations during the same consultation, taking care to administer each injection in a different place, for example on each arm. If the vaccinations are not given on the same day, there is no particular delay between the two.

Free flu vaccine for certain groups

Every year, it’s essential to protect yourself against the flu, and that means getting vaccinated. Assurance Maladie reminds us that the virus evolves every year, making annual vaccination essential. As with Covid-19, the flu vaccine is available to all, but it is particularly recommended for vulnerable people, who are at greater risk of contracting the disease. The list of target groups is very similar to that for the Covid vaccine.

For these at-risk groups, the vaccine is free. All they need to do is go to a pharmacy with their “carte Vitale” and the “bon de prise en charge” issued by the Assurance Maladie to obtain the vaccine free of charge. However, if you are not eligible for reimbursement, you only have to pay for the vaccine. The injection itself may be charged for, depending on the practitioner.