UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
Flu Vaccination in France 2026: Who Can Give Your Jab?
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations: Autumn 2026 – 27
The annual vaccination campaign against seasonal flu and COVID-19 in mainland France starts on 13 October 2026. Both campaigns will run concurrently, with vaccination against flu scheduled to continue until 31 January 2027.
Vaccination is particularly recommended for older people and those most at risk of developing serious complications.
WHO SHOULD BE VACCINATED?
The French health authorities recommend flu vaccination for the following groups:
- People aged 65 and over.
- People with certain chronic illnesses, including heart and lung conditions and other long-term health problems.
- People with weakened immune systems.
- Pregnant women, whatever the stage of pregnancy.
- People with severe obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.
- Certain healthcare professionals and people regularly in contact with vulnerable individuals.
If you fall into one of these categories, you will probably receive or already have received a letter from Assurance Maladie (the French health insurance system), together with a bon de prise en charge, or vaccination voucher.
For eligible individuals, the flu vaccine is covered in full by Assurance Maladie.
HOW DO YOU GET YOUR FLU JAB?
If you have received your flu vaccination in previous years, the process is generally straightforward.
Take your vaccination voucher to your local pharmacy to obtain the vaccine, then arrange for it to be administered. Many pharmacists can both supply and administer the vaccine, often on the spot or by appointment.
Doctors, nurses and midwives can also administer flu vaccinations, subject to the applicable rules.
If you are being vaccinated for the first time, you no longer necessarily need to see your doctor beforehand. Pharmacists and other authorised healthcare professionals can prescribe and administer flu vaccines within their authorised scope of practice. If you have any concerns about your medical history or whether vaccination is appropriate for you, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
The important thing is not to leave it until the flu is already circulating widely. After vaccination, it generally takes around two weeks for your body to develop its protective immune response.
WHAT ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE?
The autumn COVID-19 vaccination campaign is running alongside the flu campaign.
If you are eligible for both vaccinations, you can have them during the same appointment, with one injection in each arm or at two different injection sites.
Alternatively, you can have them on separate occasions. There is no minimum interval required between the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
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, nurse, midwife or chemist to administer it. Anybody can do this – and if you’re not squeamish, you can even do it yourself ‘though it is not recommended unless you have vacination experience.
Visit www.grippenet.fr for more information, news of regional epidemics etc.
COVID-19 AND YOUR FLU INJECTION
Whether or not you choose to be vaccinated, it is worth remembering that flu is more than just an unpleasant winter bug. It can cause serious complications, particularly in older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Washing your hands regularly, ventilating rooms and wearing a mask when appropriate can also help limit the spread of respiratory infections.
For further information about the current vaccination campaign, eligibility and reimbursement, visit the official French health insurance website:
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.
