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THE NEW CAMPAIGN BEGINS ON OCTOBER 15. HERE ARE THE DETAILS AND HOW TO GET A JAB The new flu and Covid vaccination campaigns are set to start in France on October 15, with vulnerable people

among those who are particularly advised to get vaccinated. “As recommended by la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), the two vaccination campaigns against Covid-19 and influenza will be

conducted jointly," said health authority Direction générale de la santé (DGS) in a press release on September 17. 10,000 people die from flu in France every year, the Ministry of

Health states, with vaccination estimated to prevent 2,000 additional deaths. Those considered to be vulnerable and at risk of a severe form of the illness should be vaccinated from the

start of the campaign, because vaccines typically take around two weeks to gain full effect.  Getting vaccinated early will offer maximum protection as the flu epidemic occurs. It generally

begins each year from November onwards and sometimes lasts until April. It tends to peak from December to January. Vaccination coverage lasts around six months. Read also: Flu vaccination

campaign extended due to rise in cases in France (2023-24)  WHO IS CONSIDERED VULNERABLE? The Ministry of Health recommends that priority be given to those at risk of serious complications,

and considered ‘vulnerable’, including: * those aged 65 and over * those with chronic illnesses (cardiovascular, lung, diabetes, etc.), * those with immunodeficiency * the severely obese  *

pregnant women * family and friends of these vulnerable people, including medical and care professionals. IS THE VACCINE FREE? Those considered vulnerable can receive the vaccination without

charge as it is covered by the Assurance maladie. Eligible individuals should receive a voucher sent to their home address which can be presented at a pharmacy to receive the vaccine for

free. If you believe you are eligible for a free vaccine but have not received (or have lost) the voucher, you can ask your doctor, midwife, nurse or pharmacist to check your eligibility. If

eligible they can provide a form that will enable you to be fully reimbursed. Those who are not eligible for a free vaccination can still be vaccinated if they wish by purchasing the

vaccines directly at a pharmacy. Since 2023, vaccination has also been open to children aged two and over (although pharmacists cannot vaccinate those aged under 16). HOW MUCH DOES THE

VACCINE COST? There are two separate costs: the price of the vaccine itself, and the cost of having the injection. * Reimbursed at 100% for those considered to be at risk (see above) * Cost

of the vaccine itself is €6-10 at pharmacies  * Cost of having the injection is reimbursed by 70% If a doctor gives the injection, the charge is included in the consultation fee. If carried

out by a pharmacist or nurse, the price is €6.30 (in mainland France), with €1.89 left to pay (€4.41 being reimbursable). Read also: Adult vaccines in France: check here that you are

protected  WHAT PROTECTION DOES THE VACCINE OFFER?  The vaccine protects people against seasonal flu by: “The effectiveness of the flu vaccine is not absolute, because not all the virus

strains responsible for epidemics are present in the vaccine,” said Professor Vincent Dubée, a doctor specialising in infectious and tropical diseases at the CHU in Angers, to Le Journal des

Femmes Santé.  “The vaccine is also less effective in some people because they have a weaker immune system. It is possible to get the flu even if you've been vaccinated,” he said. He

added that if falling ill after having been vaccinated, it would be due to a different strain of the virus to the ones contained in the vaccine. WHO CAN BE VACCINATED AT A PHARMACY? Those

who can be vaccinated a pharmacy include: * Adults considered to be vulnerable, with the exception of people with a history of severe allergic reaction to ovalbumin or to a previous

vaccination * Adults who are not considered to be vulnerable * Minors aged 16 and over, who do not have certain allergies, but who are at higher risk of severe illness Pharmacists cannot

give the flu vaccine to minors under the age of 16. Read also: French pharmacies can prescribe and give vaccines: we explain which  WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF THE FLU VACCINES? The vaccines being

used in this campaign are: * Influvac® Tetra (from 6 months of age): quadrivalent surface antigen vaccine against seasonal influenza. * Fluarix Tetra (from 6 months): quadrivalent

inactivated split-virion seasonal influenza vaccine. * Vaxigrip Tetra (from 6 months): quadrivalent influenza vaccine (inactivated, split-virion). Health authorities have confirmed that the

Efluelda vaccine has been replaced by the VaxigripTetra vaccine. DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION FOR THE FLU VACCINE? No, you do not need a prescription for a flu vaccination, even if you are not

in an at-risk group, and whether you have the vaccination at a pharmacy or a GP surgery. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE FLU VACCINE? Severe side effects are rare after a flu

vaccination.The most common include: * Inflammation, pain, aching, and/or redness at the injection site * Weak reaction/slight illness including muscle or joint pain may over the next two

days, which go away within 48 hours “The risk of serious side-effects linked to the vaccine, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, [immune system disorder] remains much lower than the risk of

serious complications directly linked to the flu itself, including Guillain-Barré syndrome,” the Ministry of Health states, adding that allergic reactions are very rare (one case in every

450,000 vaccinated). WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS TO THE FLU VACCINE? You should not have the vaccine if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or components, or to trace residues such

as eggs or chicken protein. If you are in any doubt, contact your GP or pharmacist, and check the vaccine’s leaflet for a full list of contraindications. You should also postpone the

vaccination if currently ill with fever.