START OF THE FLU SEASON IN FRANCE
The vaccination campaign against seasonal flu will soon be launched. Running from mid October to mid November, 2024 for vulnerable people, and from November onwards, for the rest, you can opt to have both flu and Covid, one in each arm ‘de manière concomitante sur 2 sites d’injection différents‘ or at two different times or dates ‘de manière séquencée sans délai minimum à respecter entre les 2 vaccinations‘.
The health service recommends the jab for over-65s and for those with health problems that could make them more vulnerable to the bug (heart or lung problems, chronic illnesses etc).
If you are amongst the above, you will probably receive or already have received a letter recommending the injection, along with a ‘prise en charge‘ voucher for free vaccination.
If you have already received this free vaccination in the past, you need only take the voucher to the chemist to pick up the vaccine, and make an appointment with a local doctor, nurse or vet (joking) to administer it.
Ask at your local chemist.Many pharmacists are now able to give the injection;
If this is the first time, you will need to see your doctor beforehand, armed with your voucher, so that he or she can be sure that the vaccine is suitable for you.
You are advised to organise your injection BEFORE the flu season starts. After vaccination, the body actually needs 2 weeks to form the necessary antibodies.
The HCSP (Haut conseil de la santé publique) also recommends vaccinations for pregnant women regardless of term and obese people with a body mass index greater than or equal to 40.
For those who do not qualify for the free injection (note that the usual percentage is still reimbursed by the state), simply buy your own vaccine at the chemist for around 8 euros and make an appointment with a local doctor or nurse to administer it. Anybody can do this – and if you’re not squeamish, you can even do it yourself!
Visit www.grippenet.fr for more information, news of regional epidemics etc.
COVID-19 AND YOUR FLU INJECTION
Whether you’re for or against it, evidence clearly shows that vaccination can reduce flu severity and prevent hospitalisation, both critical considerations at a time when the health care system may once again be burdened by COVID-19.
People who catch flu and Covid at the same time this winter are twice as likely to die than those who only have coronavirus, according to the UK Health Security Agency chief executive, Dr Jenny Harries.. (Oct 2021)
MANY PHARMACIES WILL NOW ADMINISTER THE FLU VACCINATION ON THE SPOT OR BY APPOINTMENT WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE VACCINE.
However, the Covid vaccination needs making up in advance, so can only be done by appointment.
